Winter eNews

Edition
2015

Website: http://www.aaps.org.au

10 Homeleigh Road, Keysborough 3173, VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA

(03) 9798-8415 or (03) 9798-8044
www.aaps.org.au

Latest News Updates

Have you seen our new website?
I would like to send a huge thanks to Tess, Nicky and the rest of the team that contributed to the
wonderful upgrade of the AAPS website. The old site lasted 10 years and was looking tired and in
need of a long awaited make over. It looks fantastic and is more interactive for supporters with both
information and ideas of a possible virtual pet memorial wall on the webpage. Exciting times ahead
for it, so watch this space! If you havent already do so, check out the new site.
http://www.aaps.org.au/

Bronx Update
Many of you may have heard about a big
lovable pup named Bronx.
He was surrendered to the shelter due to his
previous owner fell on hard times so could no
longer care for him.
While at the shelter looking for his new home
he injured his leg. which required expensive
surgery.
Many of you responded to the call for
assistance and have since fully covered the
financial cost of his surgery.
Even better this dashing lad has found his
new home too.
Thank you to all who helped us help Bronx

Vet Advice
Dogs and cats do not have self-cleaning teeth, Dr. Bernadine Cruz of Laguna Hills Animal
Hospital in Laguna Woods, California, says. If their teeth are not taken care of properly, a
large percentage of pets will have some type of dental diseases by 4 years of age.

Dental Trouble in Pets:

What to Watch For and How to Prevent It
Dental Tips 1.
Dental Tips 2

Cold Weather Pet Safety

Youre probably already aware of the risks posed
by warm weather and leaving pets in hot cars,
but did you know that cold weather also poses
serious threats to your pets health?
Here are some tips to keep your pets safe during
cold weather:
Click here for more information

Training Tips
House training tips
Dr Becker says, up to 25 percent of dogs relinquished to
animal shelters by their owners end up there due to
housebreaking problems. The same statistic applies to dogs
seen by veterinarians -- 25 percent of behaviour-related visits
to vets concern toileting.
Its clear from these numbers that: Housebreaking is a hot
issue for dog parents and successful house training could
save the lives of millions of dogs each year.
click here to see 4 tips on house training.

Ever wondered why your dog walks

around in circles before laying down.
Have you ever watched (or maybe been driven crazy by) your dog trying
to settle in a spot? They sniff around, walk back and forth, and circle.
Some even dig at the floor or shove pillows and blankets this way and that.
I have one dog that takes about ten minutes before she is fully settled.
And when she does this at bedtime, when the lights are off and I am
exhausted, its hard to not question her sanity.
Click here to read about nesting

Interesting Reads Around The World

Sarbi
Remember Sarbi? She is a former Australian special
forces explosive detection dog and one of two to
ever be awarded to RSPCAs purple cross medal,
following her becoming lost and presumed dead
wandering in war torn Afghanistan.
Read more on her story via the link below.
Click here to read her storyl

Blind man keeps his old guide dog after it

loses its sight
After six years of loyal service, Graham Waspe was
devastated when his guide dog Edward was left blind
after developing cataracts.
But his devastation turned to joy when his replacement
Opal turned out to be a real gem.
Mr Waspe's new dog is not just aiding his owner to
carry out everyday tasks, but also helping Edward to
get around.
Read more:
To read their story click here

Tribute to Cindy
Joan and Jack (my mum and dad) adopted Cindy on the 25 th April, 2007, she was a pretty coloured Australian
Heeler about 7 years old. Cindy was listed under the golden oldies program which suited mum and dad fine as
they wanted a settled dog. They bought her home and she started living like a princess. Mum would often call her
Cindy Lou. Cindy settled in really well and she loved to play ball. I have never seen a dog play ball this way even
though I am sure a lot do. Either mum or dad would throw the ball and off she would fly, down the back yard. grab
the ball and race back to whoever threw it. She would then stand back just a bit, toss her head up, let go of the
ball and it would land just near the feet of the thrower , then with a bark , as much to say throw it again.
The ball thrown again and off she raced, grabbed the ball, back to the same position, toss the ball up to land at
the throwers feet, bark and so it would go.
Cindy was even a member of St Kilda Pets and wore her
St Kilda footy club pets medallion on her collar. Dad loved
taking her for walks and Mum made her special dinners.
She would have her daily food quota broken into
breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and then
most of it for dinner, you know she looked for it when the
kettle went on. Cindy did find thunderstorms to be a bit of
a worry especially at night, so when they came, mum and
dad felt it more of a worry as she would jump up on their
bed and get between them while they are hanging onto
the side of the bed. Ha ha! Havent we all had our furkids
take over the bed. Over the years Cindy and my parents
spent a lot of time together Cindy reclining on the spare
bed at night while Mum and Dad were on the computer.
Cindy lounging on her bed in the lounge room while
lapping up either the heater or the air con. She was a
healthy girl with a few aging aliments. Sad news came on
Sunday the 12th. She was still bright eyed but very old and
sadly Cindy passed away at home.
She was a very much loved member of my parents
family, she was their furkid and they have wonderful
memories of her.

TALK TO THE ANIMALS ADOPTION SECTION

Here is a list of some animals currently at the shelter with a little story of their journey to date. They
are waiting patiently to meet someone they can call their family and become their forever homes.
There are SO many cats in our care that have been with us for a long time and would dearly love
to be a part of a loving home. This eNews edition will feature only cats to highlight the fact that
there are such a large number of perfectly good homeable cats available for adoption, but the
public need to support pounds and shelters who try to do this. So remember
ADOPT DONT SHOP
Photos taken by David Oakley of R I V I D Fine Art Portraits website www.rivid.com

Meet Charlie, Hes Big & Handsome, Blue Eyed Boy

Tag 26975 DSH Male 5 years

Handsome Charley has been with us for 10 months. He

tends to sit around like a big blob but you'd be amazed to
watch him play like a kitten when he's in the mood. He is 6.5
years old.

For more information of animals available for adoption refer the web links below
1. Dog adoption
2. Cat adoption
3. Other animal adoption including Rabbits & guinea pigs

Vinnie
Age 3 years

Vinnie has been with us for 6 months now.

He is 3 years old & very quiet so he tends to
keep to himself.

Missy & Moose

Age 2 years

Missy & Moose have been with us 1 whole year! They are a
2 year old brother & sister duo, both quiet & sweet.

Pamuk
Age 4 years

Pamuk has been with us for 1 year. He is 4.5 years old

& was quite outgoing when he first came to us but he
has now become quiet & tends to keep to himself.

Nixie
Age 10 years

Nixie has been with us for 8 months. She is 10 years old

& came to us because her owner was moving. She's
fairly independent, although loving on her terms.

Twiggy
Age 18 months

Twiggy has been with us for 7 months. She

came to us half starved but she has sure made
up for it (she loves her food). She is 18 months old.

Belle & Knickers 2 years old

TO BE ADOPTED TOGETHER

Belle & Knickers have been with us for 7 months. They are lovely,
soft natured cats & they came to us because their owner fell on
hard times. They are 2 year old sisters.

Blackie Chan age 5 1/2years and Boots age 3 years

to be adopted together LONG TERMERS, DESPERATE FOR THEIR FOREVER HOME

Blackie Chan & Boots have sadly been with us the longest - 18 months, which is so, so sad,
especially because there's nothing wrong with them. They are 5.5 & 3.5 years old - female & male.

Happy Home Tails (adoptees from AAPS)

Thank you to everyone who provided me with lovely adoption stories. I really enjoy this section and I
hope it gives a sense of success to a tough situation and provides motivation that one person cant
change the world for all animals but you can change the world for one animal at a time. Enjoy the read
of this editions stories. We even have one from New Zealand this edition.

Mister Max

We adopted 6 year old Mister" (now Mister Max") a week ago, and he has very quickly become part
of the family. He is so placid and loveable and we cant imagine life without him now!
Colin, Miranda, Ari & Sienna

Lexie

Rob
Rob (Paddy) was adopted from the AAPS around three
years ago.
I brought my lonely dog Chew Chew into the cattery and
Rob ran over straight away and a great friendship was
born. Rob enjoys noble pleasures such as sharpening
his claws on my stereo speakers, sitting in doorways to
smack any canine that dares pass (Rob owns two dogs
these days), and singing the song of his people in
acoustically dynamic rooms at three in the morning.
We are very lucky to have Rob, and happier to know he
loves being here just as much as we love having him.

Here is Lexie in the act of wagging

her tail in her new home. She is a lovely
natured dog and quite obedient. Very gentle
and fun when she needs to be. Thank you
Arabella for recommending her to us.

Millie
This is Millie. She has just celebrated
her 14th birthday this month, which is a
great achievement considering she was
found abandoned in a car park at the
Southland Mall at the age of 10.
Fortunately for her she ended up at the wonderful
AAPS where she was cared for while they attempted to
track her owners down, and then placed up for adoption when
they weren't found.
Lucky for Millie euthanasia was not
considered, despite her age.
Millie now lives in New Zealand, proving that a pet really is for life,
even if you have to move house or countries. She
is beginning to show signs of old age now,
and while we may not have much more time together, I still
heartily recommend adopting an older pet from AAPS.
Every animal deserves a warm loving home in
which to live out the rest of their life.

Karyn & Millie

Kitty
Hello Keysborough animal shelter,
I wanted to send you an update on the beautiful Kitty adopted from your
shelter by my mother in August.
Kitty is 12 years old and her owner had recently passed away.
She looked so lost and forlorn on your website...we just had to come and
see her.
My mum's cat Tilly (previously adopted from your shelter) had died
suddenly in July and mum had the same look on her face as Kitty completely lost and forlorn. Tilly had helped my mum get through the loss
of my father and had been her companion for 6 years....her death was
premature and devastating for mum.
It seemed that Kitty and my mum were a perfect match - both grieving
little old ladies that needed some affection and company.
We were quite nervous to meet Kitty, being an older cat, she may not take
to well to strangers....and my mum had a feeling that it was "too soon" to
replace her beloved Tilly.
But the minute the lovely volunteer opened the enclosure to Kitty, she
stood up and gave my mum a smooch and started purring.
There were tears all round and there was no doubt these little old ladies
were meant for each other.

I am happy to say that Kitty has settled into a nice routine, has put on weight, enjoys cuddles on the couch, sleeping
on the bed and playing with ping pong balls as well as sitting in the sun and enjoying her retirement years.
Mum is busy knitting cat blankets for donation to the shelter, while Kitty sits next to her purring away on the couch.
Thank you so much for the wonderful work you do.
Best regards
Karen

Milo
Hi to all the lovely people at AAPS.
I recently adopted Milo. He has settled in really well and appears
to be enjoying life with the family. He is constantly being cuddled
by all of us and loves nothing more than sitting on my bed
watching TV and chewing his toys (and cuddling).
We were hoping Milo would still be able to go for walks with us
even though he is a three legged dog. Well, I'm happy to report
that he takes me for runs around the local lake. I can see that
I'm going to get very fit in the coming years!
He is now housetrained, has learnt to 'sit' and is starting to learn
how to play 'fetch'. What a clever boy he is! Milo is such a gentle
and sweet soul - we just adore him. I've attached a couple of
photos.
Thank you for letting us adopt him,
Cathy

Max
This lovely looking fella came into our life in August 2014.
He was the tall gangly looking dog with big feet and a
big heart.
At the centre he was not interested in us but once we had him home
the personality erupted. He showed us how much it means to have
a loving family to play with each day.
He loves spending every day together and waits at the gate
for our arrival home.
There is not a day that goes by that when we are out walking
this boy we are not stopped by strangers in awe of his stature
and beautiful nature.
We often feel like we own a celebrity.
Max brings such joy to our life and we were lucky enough the
staff made an exception for us to meet him.
Your efforts are a symbol of the stories echoed from your
shelter.
Garry, Michelle & Max.

Pip
We adopted Pip on the 27/12/14 we thought of a lot of
other names but not one other name suited her except for Pip.
She is a beautiful kitten. Upon looking for an older cat
the one we wanted had been adopted earlier so we
decided to look out the back at Kittens. Out of all the
kittens Pip came up to the glass with an almost meow
(a silent one at that) that demanded our attention.
After looking at everyone we were just drawn to her and
she came home with us. It was rocky beginnings with
our 5 year old long haired tabby, she was queen of the
house and her nose was out of joint in regards to the new
arrival. We panicked as she was aggressive towards the
kitten at first and Pip was a fighter herself and she wouldn't
back down.
We spent weeks worrying that they would never get along
and that we wouldn't have harmony in our house.

The weeks took hard work feeding them close by each other ready to jump in should a fight break out and
we supervised everything but everything turned out amazing they are the best of friends. Even when we
were playing with Pip, Lilly thought she was under real threat and stood over Pip ready to pounce on us its
a remarkable change.
Pip is so loving and playful and moody at times like all good teenagers (currently 8 months old) and she also
finds herself in all sorts of tricky situations, but nights where she cuddles up to us and head butts your hand
for pats are the best especially when she holds your hand to her head so you don't let go.
We are truly lucky to have such a wonderful kitten :)

Yalini
We adopted Yalini 2.5 years ago and
its time for my annual update. Its been a
bit year for her.
In November she had to have several teeth
removed due to gingivitis. We were devastated
(as was our bank account), but Yalini
took it well and went through the ordeal
like pro. Only 6 weeks later, while we
were on holidays, she suddenly vanished
for several days. Our house sitter went out of
her way to find her.
After 4 miserable days, Yalini was finally
found in a backyard with her collar stuck
under her foreleg and a badly
infested flesh wound.
She was unable to move. It took 2 months, stitches
and more vet bills to nurse her back to health.
She is happy and fully functional again
but what a fright. Out of her nine lives,
I suppose, she lost one.
Anyway, she is as playful and cuddly as ever. Bottle tops, play mice and feather wands have lost none of their
attraction. She is the ruler of all roofs and now manages to keep the ginger cat out of her territory. The picture
shows her right after surgery with a collar - the Queen was evidently not amused. We love her dearly and hope
to many more years together.

Remember Astro?
Astro appeared in one of our previous editions of enews in the Happy home tails section.
His owner sent me an email as this well travelled friend had written about in the Australian newspaper.
To read his holiday story click on the link Astro's Article

Thank You Supporters

Id like to thank all the supporters of AAPS and their contributions to eNews. I am continuously overwhelmed with all the support you give the shelter and Im glad to play my small part. The lovely stories
of adoptions and hence Happy Home Tails (adoptees from AAPS) really makes a difference to the
volunteers who sometimes hear many sad stories and see terrible forms of animal abuse. If your story
didnt make in this edition, they will in further editions to come.
If you would like to provide feedback or make suggestions you would like included in the next issue
email me at rv533698@gmail.com