A pet is a 15+years commitment, not only a pleasant companion for the present times.

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Please share as much as possible because panicked pet owners have been approaching vets asking for their pets to be euthanised over coronavirus fears.

YOU DON'T GET THIS VIRUS FROM YOUR PETS!!

To all our supporters , the good news is that as from last Friday RCDR have now attained Charity Status. Our Charity Number is 20203936
This means that we can once again raise money, put out our collection boxes, accept donations and of course from a local point of view we can have our Sales in the Ellis Hall.
Please put the following dates for our forthcoming sales in your diaries:

Easter Sunday              21st April
June Sunday                2nd June
August Sunday            4th August
October Sunday          27th October

The same system will be in place where the Ellis Hall will be open between 10-1pm on the Saturday before to take in goods for sale.
To all of you who have supported us, in so many ways during this time, we would like to extend a very sincere thank you. It has been frustrating for all of us but now we have become a charity we can once again play a full part in the care of cats and dogs and of course their owners.

No animal should endure a cold weather–related death. It’s inexcusable!

Please follow this simple steps to keep your pets safe from cold weather:

1. Keep animals indoors.
Puppies and kittens, elderly animals, small animals, and dogs with short hair, including pointers, beagles, pit bulls, Rottweilers, and Dobermans, are particularly susceptible to the elements, but all animal companions should be kept warm and cozy indoors. Short-haired animals will also benefit from wearing warm sweaters or coats during brief trips outdoors.

2. Don’t allow your cat or dog to roam outdoors without supervision.
Being outside unattended is always dangerous for our animal companions, but cold weather poses even more risks. Cats can climb under the hoods of cars in order to get near warm engines and then be badly injured or killed when the vehicle is started.

3. Keep an eye out for strays.
If you see companion animals roaming the streets, bring them indoors until you can find their guardians, or take them to an animal shelter.

4. Clean dogs after they come in from the snow.
Salt and chemicals used to counter snow can make animals sick if they ingest them. Always clean off your dogs’ legs, paws, and stomach after they’ve been out in the snow. If you use antifreeze, buy a nontoxic brand like Sierra or Prestone LowTox.

5. If you see dogs left outdoors in extreme weather without proper shelter, alert the authorities.
Winter weather spells extra hardship for “backyard dogs,” who often go without adequate food, water, shelter, and veterinary care. If you see animals left outside without shelter from the elements, note their location and alert local authorities immediately.

RCADR present a Cheque for 700.00 euros to Cancer Care West in Paddy Coynes, Tully Cross.This was from the sale of accumulated goods. as we are still waiting for the next stage of our charity registration. The money raised from the sale was donated to Cancer Care West, Bengorra Scout Troop, Madra and Sathya Sai.

This article in this week's Connacth Tribune explains the difficulty we had in being registered as a Charity... Luckily enough we are getting to the end of the red tape finally!! Click on the image to read it - 

Despite our best efforts, it is not uncommon for cats to get lost or struggle to find their way home. Should this happen, a microchip will give them the best chance of being reunited with you.
So please think about micro chipping your cat!

Nine good reason why you should microchip your cat:

- Microchipping causes little discomfort
- Microchipping can help return your pet
- Microchipping protects against theft
- Microchipping offers peace of mind
- Microchipping is a lifetime deal
- Microchipping is not expensive
- Microchipping takes the pressure off rescue centres
- Microchipping saves lives
- Microchipping encourages responsible pet ownership

With extended daylight and warm weather, the summer can be a great time to get active with your pet. However, it’s important to be aware of the dangers of heatstroke – a life-threatening condition, caused by the elevation of a dog’s body temperature. While people can also suffer heatstroke, the risk is much greater for dogs as they only perspire around their paws and nose (which is not sufficient alone to cool their body). The most effective means for a dog to expel excess heat is panting, which moves cool air through the nasal passages and around the body. If a dog doesn’t have access to cool air – either because of high outside temperatures or a confined environment – they are at risk of overheating.

Risks for Heatstroke

Symptoms:
The biggest risk for heatstroke is the dog’s immediate environment. If your dog is in very humid conditions or a confined space without fresh air (such as a car), he or she will quickly overheat. Brachycephalic breeds of dogs (those with short muzzles e.g. British Bulldogs and Pugs) are also more prone to heat stroke because their nasal passages are smaller and it is more difficult for them to circulate sufficient air for cooling.

Early signs of heatstroke include:

High body temperature (more than 40 degrees)
Distress
Excessive panting
Excess saliva
Bluish-purple or bright red gums, due to inadequate oxygen supply to the tissues.
First Aid
If your dog’s body temperature reaches above 40 degrees or it is exhibiting the above symptoms, apply immediate first aid. The most important thing is to get his or her body temperature down to a normal level.

Ensure your dog has plenty of clean water at all times
Cool your pet immediately. Immerse them in a cold bath (not icy cold), drape them in a cold wet towel or run a cold hose over their body.
Maintain airflow over the body. After wetting your dog, keep air circulating around their body with a fan or air-conditioner. When taking your dog to the vet, make sure you have adequate air flow through the car. A spray bottle or wet towel draped over them will help keep them cool.
Get them drinking. If your dog is able to drink, give him or her a large bowl of water.
Seek veterinary attention. Heatstroke is a serious condition that requires immediate attention and intensive care is generally required to save your pet’s life. Intravenous fluids cool the body, maintain blood pressure, support the kidney system and generally help speed recovery. Any initial home treatment greatly increases the chance of surviving but it is only in mild cases that the initial home treatment is sufficient.

Prevention:
Fortunately, heatstroke is a preventable condition. By following the tips below, you’ll be well on the way to ensuring your dog stays safe this summer:

Never leave your pet unattended in a car. Within ten minutes, a closed car can reach temperatures of 45 degrees. In such temperatures, a dog is unable to shed its extra heat and may quickly suffer dehydration and heatstroke. If you are getting out of the car, take your dog with you.
Keep your dog well hydrated. Ensure your dog has easy access to fresh water. Water dishes should be placed in the shade or kept cold (frozen water bottles are handy). Dogs also have a tendency to knock water over, so it’s recommended you have a few bowls in different places.
Carry water. When exercising your dog, take a collapsible water dish or run a route where you know your dog will have access to clean water.
Provide shade. If your dog lives outside during the summer months, make sure you have adequate shade to shelter him or her from the sun.
Avoid walking on hot days. During the summer months, walk your dog of a morning or an evening. Temperatures below 25 degrees are optimum.

Article credits: https://www.vetwest.com.au/pet-library/keeping-your-dog-safe-in-summer

Please make sure that your pets have enough drinking water, so that they do not dehydrate during the spell of hot weather and are not shut in greenhouses, barns or sheds.

We often need kind people with a bit of spare time to temporarily look after a dog or cat until a permanent home can be found. Dogs and cats that arrive in rescue may have been ill-treated, neglected or just not wanted anymore. They need lots of patience and a home environment is the best place to help them feel secure and learn how to trust again. Fostering a dog or cat is a practical way to help us out.
All we ask is that you have a reasonable secure garden and you can be at home for most of the day, usually preferable for dogs to be placed in a family where children are over 12 years. We cover expenses if you can provide a bed, some exercise and love and kindness.
If you'd like to know more, you can speak to John or Babs or telephone 087 337 2245 Thanks!!