Granada marathon run for CAS

The pictures show Simon Wilkinson running the 1/2 marathon of Granada.

He and his sponsors raised around 350 Euro for the CAS organization.

 

Read more...

Bonny, Lola, Toby, Rags and Ruben fly to Holland

On the last rescue flight for 2009, Bonny, Lola, Toby, Rags and Ruben flew to their new homes in Holland. Now a total of 179 dogs were adopted through our sister charity organization Hond zoekt Huis in Holland.

 

 

 

 

 

Read more...

Pet Airways Flies Rescue Dogs To Freedom

Thanksgiving Day Holiday 2009. Operation Thanksgiving Day Pet Flight to
Freedom will provide a plane load of pets with a free flight to a better
life. The first ever pet rescue airlift will take place this Thanksgiving
Holiday with a flight from Pet Airways' Pet Lounge at Chicago's Midway
Airport to the Pet Airways Pet Lounge in Farmingdale, New York.

In conjunction with Best Friends Animal Society, Pet Airways is helping to
place these currently homeless dogs with new families by providing free
transportation to the New York area where they will be made available for
adoption.
As part of its ongoing mission of working toward a time when there are No
More Homeless Pets, Best Friends collaborates with rescue and shelter
organizations throughout the country to place needy pets in loving homes.
One of the issues of rescuing large numbers of pets is getting them to new
homes.

Pet Airways is helping in this endeavor, by flying an entire planeload of
rescued dogs to New York, where a local shelter has come forth to accept
these pets to help them be adopted.

Pet Airways was created to provide a safe and comfortable alternative to
flying pets in the cargo hold of planes. Pet Airways Pawsengers fly in the
main cabin of our aircraft with a Pet Attendant watching over them at all
times.

As part of Pet Airways' Corporate Responsibility Policy, Pet Airways
provides space on our planes to help pets that need to be rescued.
Thanksgiving is a great day to not only give our pets a hug for all the love
that they give us, but to also help out some pets in need.

Follow the rescue and how the pets travel on the Pet Airways website. Pets
are being driven to Chicago by Best Friends on Thanksgiving Day where they
will have their Thanksgiving dinner at the Pet Airways Pet Lounge. After the
dinner, pets will enjoy the love of lots of volunteers, will sleep happily
that night, and board the Pet Airways Pet Flight to Freedom on Friday
morning.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sc2lvz1LGTc Read more...

How to donate to CAS

The "Donate" button sends donors to the Spanish PayPal site. Even if you
don't speak much Spanish, you would be able to fill in the little boxes with
your first and surnames, your type of credit card and details and the amount
you wish to donate.

OR do a direct transfer with this information:
Bank: Cajamar Account No. 2720100283
IBAN ES913058072803 BIC-SWIFT CCRIES2AXXX

Try it... and get that lovely, warm feeling that helping animals gives ;) Read more...

December events

CHRISTMAS CHARITY MARKET - Saturday 5th Dec
Petanque Court, Punta Lara. 11am-3pm
Gifts, Christmas Fayre, Tombola, Lucky Dip
Visit from Santa & Sons, Children's Competions
Proceeds to CAS, Cudeca, Taller de la Amstrad, Donkey Sanctuary



Cómpeta Christmas Market - Saturday December 5th 2009

10 a.m. Plaza Ayuntamiento, La Rampa, Cómpeta
Many stalls - Father Christmas


Cómpeta CAS  Christmas Dinner Dance - Friday December 11th
Balcon de Cómpeta
Choice of 3 main courses.
€17.50 including wine and music.
Giant raffle. 19:30 for 20:00
Call 616 5300 71


Competa Christmas Quiz at La Roca, Competa - Sunday  13th  Dec              
Food available. Raffle & Prizes
7 for 7.30pm. Entrants 3€.


Coach & Horses Annual Christmas Carol - Friday 18th Dec
Sing Along in Aid of CAS
Entrance Free, Food Available. Grand Raffle/Auction
All Welcome. Commences 7.00pm


CAS Christmas Party - Tuesday  22nd  Dec
Nerja Club Hotel
Three Course Buffet with Wine
Entertainment with Carlos
7.30 FOR 8.00PM. Tickets 20€ Read more...

Veterinary Charity Warns of Christmas Injuries to Pets

Christmas injuries to pets have soared, says vet charity PDSA.

The festive season is an increasingly perilous time for our pets, with trips
to the vet at Christmas rocketing by 50 percent over the last four years,
says PDSA, the UK's leading veterinary charity.

Falling Christmas trees, chewed wires and swallowed turkey bones have all
contributed to a sharp rise in pet casualties seen by vets at PDSA PetAid
hospitals throughout the country. Last year, PDSA vets treated 15,600 pets
over the Christmas period, compared with just 10,455 in 2004.

"Vets see many injuries to pets resulting from Christmas celebrations, and
most are preventable with a little more planning and consideration," said
PDSA Senior Veterinary Surgeon Sean Wensley. "Typical examples include dogs
swallowing tinsel and baubles, pets suffering from over-eating, electric
shocks from chewed cables, and Christmas trees toppling over."

To prevent further pain and distress to four-legged friends this Christmas,
PDSA urges pet owners to take a few simple precautions. A quick home safety
check, for example, can identify potential dangers.

"Think of your pet as like a curious child who may be fascinated by bright
lights, sparkling tinsel, electrical leads and other typical Christmas
trappings," added Sean Wensley. "Then protect it by taking the necessary
precautions to help prevent accidents."

Last Christmas almost spelled disa-'star' for Yorkshire Terrier Charlie who
swallowed a discarded Christmas star decoration after rummaging through his
owner's rubbish bin but luckily he made a full recovery thanks to PDSA
veterinary staff at Plymouth PetAid hospital. Brightly coloured Christmas
decorations and festive food can be an attractive but dangerous combination
for mischievous pets!

PDSA tips for ridding the home of pet hazards:

Chemicals - make sure any potentially dangerous substances are stored in
sealed containers and in secure cabinets out of a pet's reach.

Electrical equipment/utensils - If you have cats, keep tumble dryers and
washing machines shut and always check inside before switching them on. An
overheated non-stick pan can release toxic fumes which can be hazardous to
birds. Carbon monoxide poisoning, can also cause problems for birds, small
furry pets and cats.

Food - some can be potentially harmful, for example, if pets eat large
amounts of chocolate it can cause death, due to the compound theobromine
that affects the heart and other body organs. Other items such as alcohol,
green potatoes, macadamia nuts, onions and any mouldy food can also be
harmful to animals.

Objects - many pets, especially puppies, kittens and small furries, may play
with foreign objects which at this time can include Christmas decorations,
children's toys and other small objects which can easily become lodged in
the mouth or intestines.

Smoking - passive smoking can also affect pets. For example, cats exposed to
passive smoking are twice as likely to develop cancer, compared with cats
whose owners do not smoke.

Plants - beware poisonous houseplants. Poinsettia plants which are popular
at this time of year can cause irritation and can be fatal. The ornamental
houseplant 'philodendron' can be harmful as the whole plant is toxic and
pets are tempted to eat the leaves. Keep any large, safe house plants on the
floor in heavy containers to avoid them being pulled or knocked over by
boisterous pets.

Electrical hazards - young curious pets, house rabbits, guinea pigs and
other small furries can chew on live electrical cords like Christmas light
cables which can cause electric shocks. Ensure that electric wires are out
of sight and out of reach. If this is not possible, wires should be covered
with plastic conduit and secured to skirting boards or run under a carpet.
Small batteries can cause problems if swallowed.

Trip and fall hazards - a dog running up the stairs can trip or fall,
especially if the carpet is loose or frayed. A pet can crash into glass
doors and windows which can cause serious injuries. Use safety glass, or
make sure that the glass is frosted so it is visible. Balconies should
always be securely screened.

You can never predict when or if your pet might become ill or if you might
have to deal with an emergency situation but there are steps you can take
should an emergency arise:
. Keep the name, address and telephone number of your vet next to the phone.
. Keep a working pen and paper next to the phone to take down an emergency
telephone number on any answer phone message or instructions.
. Always telephone before you take an injured pet to any veterinary
practice.
. Keep a Pet First Aid Kit with you at home or travelling with your pet

PDSA encourages pet owners to pick up its 'Pet Safety Indoors' and 'Pet
First Aid' leaflets, which offer more advice on what to do in an emergency.

The leaflets are part of a series of Responsible Pet Care information
produced by PDSA that cover a variety of pet care topics. The leaflets are
available from PDSA PetAid hospitals and PDSA charity shops nationwide or
can be downloaded from the PDSA website, www.pdsa.org.uk. Read more...

UK Vets Raise Rabies Awareness

Organisations around the world aimed to raise awareness and understanding
about the importance of rabies prevention on the third annual World Rabies
Day on September 28.

The BVA's Overseas Group supported World Rabies Day by urging UK veterinary
surgeons to raise their clients' awareness of the implications of rabies
when they travel abroad.

"While we are used to discussing the risks of rabies to pets, most vets
probably know much less about the risks of rabies to humans," says Zoe
Belshaw, a member of the Overseas Group. "World Rabies Day is an ideal time
to promote understanding of this devastating but preventable disease."

The Overseas Group has produced some information on the disease which is
available on the BVA's website. It offers simple advice on reducing the risk
of contracting the disease and gives guidance on vaccination and wound
cleansing. It also aims to dispel some common misconceptions - such as that
a deep bite is necessary for the disease to be contracted. 'A lick on broken
skin or mucous membranes or a scratch from an infected animal is
sufficient,' it points out.

Rabies kills at least 55,000 people each year, half of whom are children
under the age of 15. "Rabies is primarily a disease of children, who are
particularly at risk from this terrible disease, due to their close contact
with dogs, the major global source," said Dr Deborah Briggs, Executive
Director of the Alliance for Rabies Control. "Children are more likely to
suffer multiple bites and scratches to the face and head, both of which
carry a higher risk of contracting rabies. Children are often unaware of the
danger that dogs transmit rabies and may not tell their parents when a bite,
lick or scratch has occurred from an infected animal."

The World Rabies Day initiative aims to bring together relevant partners in
an effort to address rabies prevention and control. "This is a coordinated
effort to let the world know that this disease can be readily prevented
through education, pet vaccination and increased human awareness of proper
wound management and administration of rabies vaccination after an exposure
has occurred," added Dr Briggs.

Visit the BVA website http://www.bva.co.uk for advice on many aspects of
animal care. Read more...

UK Rules

Don't Delay - Do it Today!

Like all other local animal welfare groups, CAS is struggling to cope with
the number of requests for help from people returning to the UK. Too often,
they contact CAS just a few days before they leave! This is absolutely
ridiculous and means that the charity cannot help at all. CAS was founded to
help abused and abandoned dogs & cats. It was never intended to act as an
Agency for Re-homing family pets.

CAS has a very long waiting list, limited space in kennels (12 all together)
and too few fosterers to allow us to care for the "abanondos".

We are strongly urging all ex-pats living on the Costa del Sol to act now so
that IF they need to return to the UK for whatever reason (family issues,
health, economic reasons etc. etc.) they will be able to take their pets
with them and not abandon them to an unknown & possibly unsafe future. It's
easy to do, wont cost too much money and people can rest assured that they
have taken the correct, responsible steps towards keeping the whole family
together. Being forced to return to the UK is stressful enough without
suddenly having to consider the fate of a beloved pet.

Here's what they need to do to prepare a pet for travel to the UK.

Dogs and cats need a microchip & an EU (blue) passport
They need vaccinations (Polivalente) plus the all important Rabies
Injection After three weeks the vaccinations are repeated. They must wait
one month & then have a Rabies Blood Test They then wait out the six month
quarantine period After this point they get a Health Certificate Just before
traveling the pet will need treatment for ticks and worms. Details of all
treatments are entered into the passport. Altogether the process can take as
long as 6 to 8 months before the final blood test in done and the pet can
travel. So basically all that is needed TODAY is the microchip, the passport
and the vaccinations. Please visit your vet and discuss how best to do this.
No more worries. Remember, CAS will probably be unable to help and there are
serious cost implications if one is seeking a 6 month Dog Sitter.

A comprehensive explanation is available on the CAS Website
(www.casnerja.org) as well as a link to the government website. Read more...

Couriers wanted for dog flights

With the large number of dogs flying to Holland and Germany, we would welcome people that can take dogs with them when they fly (back) to Holland or Germany.

"Taking dogs with me on the flight, isn't that a lot of hassle?"

Actually, it is not. The procedure is very simple, and the CAS volunteers do all the work for you:

You wait in the queue to check in your luggage, just as you normally would. While you're queueing, CAS people will fill in the forms at the FlightCare office. When it's your turn at the check-in counter, you check in your luggage. CAS will show the dog passports to the airline employee, and he/she will then stick a luggage sticker on the dog cage(s).
Sofar all is the same as usual for you. Now we all take the dogs and cages to the scanner for the special bagage (where also golf clubs, skis, bicycles, etc. are scanned). The cages are scanned, the dogs are placed in the cages, and off they go. CAS hands the dog passports over to you, and you can go through security to the gate. So at Malaga airport, it takes you about 5 minutes more than usual.

After your flight, you have to wait for the bagage and the dogs to arrive. The dogs arrive when all the luggage is off the plane. They are brought separately on a cart. In most airports, this means that the dogs are there
before the last piece of luggage is on the belt.

You take the cart(s) with the dogs and walk through customs to the arrivals hall. There you are welcomed by the volunteers of Dutch charity Hond zoekt Huis, as well as the families that have adopted the dogs. It's probably the biggest welcoming committee you've ever had waiting for you at the airport (unless you're Robbie Williams, Mick Jagger or David Beckham).

All in all, it is not much extra work to accompany dogs to their new homes.
Only 5 minutes at the Malaga airport (but you have to wait for the plane anyway, right?). And a few minutes extra at the arrival. But the reward of happy children welcoming their new friends is more than worth it.

Please contact CAS if you are flying to Holland or Germany, or if you have guests flying there. Read more...

No food or water before a flight

When dogs fly to their new homes in Holland or Germany, the foster families are asked not to feed the dogs 24 hours in advance, and no water in the last 12 hours.

Isn't that cruel?

No, it isn't.
Actually, it is cruel if you do feed them, or give them water shortly before the flight !

First, there is a car ride of 45 minutes to an hour. In many cases that means a ride along a windy mountain road. You don't want the dog do that on a full stomach. Then they arrive at the airport. There is not a play field for them to do what they want. The dogs are put into their cages at the Malaga airport, and they won't be released until they arrive in Holland or Germany, hours later.

So if you have fed them or gave them water, this means that they probably have to lie in their own dirt. That is no fun for the dog, but also doesn't make a good first impression on their new family :-)

And at the airport, the new families have water and biscuits ready. So all stress of the flight and being hungry and thirsty, is quickly forgotten. Read more...