Tonys Newsletter

Pamela Flood has worked in television now for almost 12 years. Having started as a continuity announcer back in 1998, Pamela moved to London where she worked in production at the BBC before going back in front of camera with the Travel Channel who she was with for 3 years. Pamela returned to Dublin in November 2001 to work on Off the Rails. In the meantime she has taken part in other programmes for RTE such as No Frontiers, Anonymous, The Afternoon Show, The Panel and The Restaurant. She also presented the 2008 series Marry Me.

SARDA Ireland:

SARDA Ireland’s objective is to assist in the search and rescue of missing persons on the hills or wherever they may be.

SARDA Ireland is a voluntary 999 / 112 emergency search and rescue organization concerned with the training, assessment and deployment of Air Scenting Search and Rescue Dogs to search for missing persons. Our dog teams, which consist of the handler and their dog, search anywhere in Ireland and are effective in the mountains, woodlands, rural and urban areas, waterways and seashore, as well as in locating accident or disaster victims.

Search And Rescue Dog Association (Ireland) was set up in 1987 as a Registered Charity (No. 11172) and is a member of: Irish Mountain Rescue Association

Why use dogs?

All humans, dead or alive, constantly emit microscopic particles bearing human scent. Millions of these particles are airborne and are carried by the wind for considerable distances. Scientists estimate that dogs’ scenting capability is over 10,000 times better than that of a human. Dogs can locate and follow air scent over large distances, some dogs demonstrating a scenting capability over a distance of half a kilometre.

The air scenting SAR dog is trained to locate the scent of any human in the air and works in a specific search area. The dog is not restricted to the missing person’s track and can search long after any such track would be obliterated. They do not require a piece of clothing to find someone, but will detect the presence of any human scent. They are taught to ignore distractions (even rabbits) and with a trained ‘nose’ can accomplish scenting feats that are astonishing, even to their handlers.

They can work day or night in all kinds of weather, and are especially effective where human sight is most limited: in the dark, in dense woods or heavy brush, in debris, and under ground or snow.

Air scenting dogs work off leash and usually at a canter. This allows the dog to range out from the handler covering large areas. Once they locate a human scent, they will go to the source of the scent and will then return to the handler and lead them back to the missing person. Even when visual sources are hampered, such as in foggy conditions or at night, the dog’s scenting capability is unimpaired. In fact, the air currents are usually more favourable at night and, since dogs use their noses not their eyes, they can search very effectively.

How Are Dog Teams Trained?

. Acceptance for training with SARDA
. Reward based searching
. Air Scenting
. Indicating the find
. Handler training

Acceptance for training with SARDA

Prior to acceptance for training with SARDA a young dog will be tested and accredited for:

obedience
safety with stock
All dogs accepted for training must be friendly towards people and are progressively socialized with people of all ages, including babies, toddlers, children and the elderly.

Reward based searching

The dogs are initially taught to look for a reward (play toy or food treat) from a variety of people, gradually learning to run out and then search for these people in simple situations. This progresses until the dog learns to search for long periods looking for a person who will reward them with a game, or sometimes a food treat. Eventually they will no longer receive a reward from the missing person until their handler has joined them at the body. Ultimately they will search with enthusiasm for many hours, anticipating their reward.

Air scenting

Dogs are taught to locate the person by air scent. This is initially accomplished by placing the dog downwind of their source ‘body’. The dogs quickly learn to use their scenting capability to find their target. As they progress they learn to work across the wind to cover large areas and sniff out missing people.

Indicating the Find

In real life search situations the dog may be out of sight and earshot of handler, sometimes owing to distance, other times owing to weather conditions. For this reason dogs are trained to return to the handler after finding their source body. On their return they are taught to indicate their find to the handler and then bring the handler back with them to the missing person. Depending on the distance between the handler and the located person, the dog may have to make a number of return trips between body and handler.

Handler Training

. Handlers receive training and, where appropriate, professional qualifications in:
. First aid
. Radio procedures
. Search skills
. Mountain skills level 1

Vet Liam Moriarty

Old Dog Problems:

Older Cat problems:

. Weight loss.
. Drinking and urinating excessively.
. Arthritis – cats get arthritis too – signs to look out for.
. Tumours/lumps and bumps
. Dental problems
Rabbits:
. Obesity
. Arthritis
. Dental Problems
. Eye problems

How to be your own vet at home

There are two things your vet will do when he sees your older pet:

1. She or he will examine your pet from head to tail.
2. She or he will ask lots of questions – this is crucial and these questions can help you identify problems in your pet…
. Does your pet exercise well? can indicate arthritis, heart disease
. Appetite and thirst, increase appetite can be a sign of diabetes or Cushings disease (hormonal problem) increased thirst can be a sign of diabetes or kidney disease. Decreased appetite can often mean dental problems
. Behavioural changes – old cats get thyroid conditions that can cause dramatic behaviour changes, arthritic cats can be grumpy, rabbits not using litter box can be arthritic, failing sight or hearing can cause behaviour changes.
. Any symptoms at home like coughing or intermittent vomiting

Remember old age is not a disease – if your animal is behaving differently there may be something wrong and there may be lots of things you can do to help.

Food – you are what you eat. Dogs, cats and rabbits are living longer now due to better nutrition. Will bring some different foods and supplements which can help older pets.

Cancer – prevention is better than cure. Neutering can prevent cancer in male and female dogs as well as in female rabbits. Check your pets for lumps and bumps.

Around the house – your pet may have changing needs so you may need to change their environment.

Bedding, crucial – take a look at where its positioned, make sure it is soft and comfortable, big beds for old arthritic dogs and cats so that they don’t have to curl up too tight.

Flooring – slippery floors are a nightmare for arthritic dogs, cats and rabbits.

Cat flaps – make sure they are easy to use for older cats – not too stiff or if cat used to come in a window might not be able for that any more, give him a step.

What about a ramp for the car for dogs.

Rabbits – make sure that food and water are easy to reach.

If your dog is blind – don’t move furniture about keep things the same. I would walk him along the same route every day. Leave different textured mats before steps etc – he will feel them under his feet and this way he will know his way about. Make sure he has a tag on his collar saying ” I am blind” and also with his address on it.
Same for cats and deaf dogs. Also invest in a few stair gates to help them from getting injured

Grooming – older pets may not be able to groom themselves so well and fur can become matted causing skin problems.

An annual trip to the vet for an older pet is the equivalent of a trip to the doctor every 7 years – a very good idea…however you must get value for money, insist that your vet checks teeth, eyes and ears, listens to heart and lungs, weighs your pet and comments on its weight. Examines any lumps and bumps and takes notes! If you have noted any changes in your pets behaviour let the vet know – it might be important!

Robin: the dog – Golden Retriever – 7 (49 human years) – had her since she was a pup

Special foods:

Joint food – for dogs with arthritis – J-D – dry food, like dog biscuits
Food for weight loss – R-D – dry dog food, biscuity type of food
Bags of dried dog and cat foods for older dogs and older cats – different nutritionally

Over the counter supplements:

 
Arthri-aid – joints aids for dogs and cats, food supplement – liquid – (Irish)
Omega 8 – a skin supplement for cats and dogs – liquid (Irish)
Senior Aid – multi-vit. – liquid (Irish company)

Grooming Aids:

Soft grooming for cats – Zoom Groom – massages and grooms cats
Regular grooming brushes and combs
Nail clipper
Pet shampoo
Dog bed

Liam Moriarty Veterinary Surgeon
Hermitage Veterinary Clinic Lucan
Old Bawn Veterinary Clinic Tallaght
www.myvet.ie

. Arthritis
. Cancer
. Deteriorating Eye Sight and hearing
. Dental problems
. Heart disease – next week so might leave out this week.

Titanic:The Artefact Exhibition, which has been seen by more than 22 million people worldwide, is currently taking place in the Citywest Event Centre,Citywest Dublin and runs until June. This specially designed exhibition focuses on the legendary RMS Titanic’s compelling human stories as best told through extensive room re-creation and more than 300 authentic artefacts recovered from Titanic’s wreck site. A top hat, a gentleman’s spectacles, the Titanic Bell, the steering wheel stand, the officers window, china from all three classes, a telegraph base, the perfume of Saafeld and a piece of Titanic’s hull .these and many other objects offer haunting, emotional connections to lives abruptly ended or forever altered.

Michael Gannon:

What was it like to meet Rory Golden, one of the drivers that recovered some of the items that were on display at the exhibit?It was so amazing to see Rory Golden one of the divers. He showed us around and told us stories about the dive. They had to use the submarine to get to the Titanic. It took two hours to get to the bottom where the Titanic was.Rory was the first person to touch the steering wheel after the captain of the Titanic.The pressure of the water down where the titanic is was really strong. Rory said it was like 20 elephants standing on your head.There was no toilet on board the submarine so you had to be careful about what you ate the night before the dive.The submarine had robot arms to pick up the items.

I believe you get a boarding pass as you enter with details of a real passenger, who did you get?I got a boarding pass for Colonel John Weir. He was 60 and was from Dundee Scotland he was travelling alone. He used to be a Colonel in the Spanish American War. He left Cherbourg on the titanic. He was travelling to Utah for business. He was saved.First of all he was to travel on the Philadelphia ship but he was switched to the Titanic because of the coal strike. And this happened to a lot of the passengers.What were your favourite parts of the exhibit? Did one thing he showed you stand out in your mind?
My favourite part of the exhibit was the cold iceberg. It showed the ice that was over the water. There were handprints in the iceberg from people touching it. Children would love it.The bell from the front of the ship. Frederick Fleet was a lookout on the ship. He was watching for icebergs or other ships. When he saw the iceberg he banged the bell three times to warn the captain. They recovered the bell from the sea.

What surprised you the most?

They had a display of perfume that they found on one of Rory’s dives and the perfume was in tiny bottles which saved it so when they opened it after the dive they got this most amazing smell. They have it displayed in a cabinet in the exhibit and you can put your nose up to it and you could get smell of roses from it. It was great.The submarine surprised me as well because I thought he dived down in a wet suit.

What was the feeling like in the exhibit?

I felt it was like a real passenger on the Titanic ship and with the music and noise of the engine that was all around us walking through.

Overall what was the exhibit like?

Very well laid out and it was a great experience for me.

Would you recommend that people go along?

I would yes

Prices/Stockists/Relevant Information:

Titanic: The Artefact Exhibition’ will take place at Citywest Event Centre until 30th June 2010 and is open from 10am to 8pm Monday to Sunday.Tickets are available from

www.titanicdublin.com or ticketmaster ticket line 0818 719300, Box Office  01 4010505  01 4010505 or tickets are also available at the door.Tickets are priced at €18.00 for Adults, €14.00 for Students and seniors aged 65 and over, and €12.00 for children.Children under four years of age go free and group and family rates are available. Audio tours are highly recommended at €4 for both adults and children.City west Hotel is offering a special 1 Night Bed & Breakfast rate for 2 Adults and 2 Children plus a family Pass to Titanic: The Artefact Exhibition at €158.

Info on Diver Rory Golden:

Rory Golden fulfilled a lifelong ambition when he became the first Irish diver to visit the wreck of the world’s most famous shipwreck, the RMS TITANIC, in the summer of 2000. He was part of an official salvage expedition that raised hundreds of new artefacts from nearly 4,000 metres depth below the Atlantic Ocean.In August of 2005, he made a repeat visit, bringing memorial plaques from Belfast to place on the bridge of the ship, alongside one he had left from Cobh in August 2000. His dives took place in one of two Russian MIR submersibles, from the Russian Academy of Sciences research vessel, “Akademik Mstislav Keldysh”. These mini submarines have a life support pressure hull of only 2 metres diameter for three persons, and an operating depth of 6,000 metres. More people have been to outer space then the depths of the ocean that he has been.

Titanic Facts:

. Construction of Titanic started on March 22, 1909.
. At 840 feet long and 228 feet high, it was the largest scaffolding in the world.
. Titanic left Southampton on 10th April 1912.
. On the 14th of April 1912, an iceberg punctured 250 feet of the hull.
. 3hrs hours later the largest moving object the world had ever seen would slip under the surface of the sea and disappear.
. Captain John Smith was to retire after this voyage.
. The Titanic sank somewhere in the Atlantic Ocean, south of Newfoundland, Canada.
. There were 2228 people on board of the Titanic, 337 in first class, 285 second class, 721 in third class and 885 crew members.
. Only about 700 survived.
. Cork Harbour was the last port of call of RMS Titanic.

 

We all experience grief at some stage in our lives and for many we are learning how to cope with a new emotion. It has been said that “Grief is the cost of love”Breffni McGuinness is here to talk about child bereavement, guiding parents through grief when they have lost a child.

Breffni McGuinness

Breffni is the Training Officer with the Irish Hospice Foundation (IHF)
and provides training on loss and grief to companies and organizations.His background is in pastoral care and psychotherapy with special
interests in bereavement and drama. Breffni lectures on the IHF’s
postgraduate courses on Bereavement Studies, the pastoral department of
Milltown Institute and the Dublin City University School of Nursing and Psycho-Oncology course.

Breffni was the author of a bereavement policy resource for companies
and organisations that were released recently. His background is in pastoral care and psychotherapy, with special interests in bereavement and drama.  Breffni lectures on the IHF’s postgraduate courses on Bereavement Studies, the pastoral department of Milltown Institute and the Dublin City University School of Nursing and Psycho-Oncology course.It is important to remember that Everyone’s loss is different and Everyone’s grief is different.
Grief is a powerful and sometimes overwhelming journey, and the following is a list of some of the common physical and emotional reactions that many bereaved parents may experience:

. A need to tell and retell and remember things about the child and the details of the child’s death.
. Searching for or expecting the child who died to walk in the door or call on the phone; hearing the child’s voice; seeing the child’s face; dreaming about the child
. Loss of appetite or overeating
. You cease ‘living’ and merely ‘exist’. Part of you has died
. Restlessness, aimless activity, difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness
. Finding it difficult to make even simple decisions.
. Wondering if you are losing your mind
. Going through the “motions” of every day living
. Physical exhaustion, sleeplessness, lack of desire to get out of bed
. Feeling fragile and vulnerable
. In dread of bumping into people
. Guilt – thoughts and feelings of “If only I had…” as well as awareness of aspects of the relationship that were less than perfect
. Tightness in the throat, heaviness in the chest, a “lump” in the stomach
. Respiratory reactions – excessive yawning, gasping, sighing, hyperventilating
. Constantly feeling cold

(source: anamcara.ie)

Coping with Grief

It is so important for bereaved parents and siblings to take care of themselves during this difficult time. The following suggestions are offered to help you cope with your grief:

. Record how you are feeling or write to your child in a journal, use your journal to express feelings you can’t express face to face
. A balanced diet, rest and moderate exercise are especially important at this time, walking is ideal to help clear the head. If the appetite is not there talk to a pharmacist about vitamin supplements.
. Go easy on yourself, you will not be able to do what you normally do. Grieving is exhausting and you need to recognize the extent of your loss. Be patient with yourself and your emotions.
. Avoid major decisions if possible (changing residence, changing jobs, etc.) for at least a year
. Avoid making hasty decisions about your child’s belongings. Do not allow others to take over or rush you. Do it at your own pace when you are ready
. Cry freely as you feel the need. It is a healthy expression of grief and releases tension
. Talk about your feelings or find other ways to express your emotions (writing/art)
. Find a good listener, someone who will just let you talk. Often talking to another parent who has lost a child can help as they are on the same journey as yourself, just a little bit further down the road. Anam Cara will help facilitate this.
. One’s religious faith or spirituality may also be a source of support, comfort, strength and hope at this time
. If you feel unable to cope , are anxious all the time or having difficulty managing the intense emotions you are experiencing, don’t suffer in silence it might be helpful to seek the advice your GP or a professional counselor.

www.anamcara.ie

Tips for people who may know someone who has lost a child. How should they treat this person/ couple? People normally treat the mother and father differently- any thoughts on this? What do the parents need?

There are differences but it’s not down to gender but grieving style.  You can make assumptions about people because of their gender but it doesn’t always hold.  People had different grieving styles.  We have to recognize that people have different coping styles in the same family and to acknowledge that both are valid. 

Some tips for people who are supporting bereaved parents;

1. Always acknowledge the death: a short note or a simple “I’m so sorry for your loss” can mean a lot;
2. Be willing to listen as parents talk about their child’s life and death.  They are trying to find meaning in what has happened.  Most bereaved parents need to talk about this and may over time distance themselves from people who cannot listen. 
3. Remember siblings need support too.  They also need to make sense of what has happened and may welcome the chance to talk to someone other than their parents.
4. Acknowledge the milestones and significant dates: just a note or phone call to say you are thinking about them will be appreciated;
5. Respect the uniqueness of the family’s experience.  Don’t assume you now how they feel or what they need.  If you want to offer support, ask them how you can help.

Are there any support groups/ phonelines?

Yes.  A group called Anam Cara was recently launched.  The aim of this organization is “To offer opportunities to support and be supported by parents who have experienced the loss of a child.”  It has been set up by bereaved parents to help themselves and all bereaved parents cope with their grief and loss and journey on. Their website is www.anamcara.ie. 
On who can benefit from the organisation, their website says the following: “Any parent who has lost a child, no matter what age that child is (including an adult child) and regardless of how recent the loss is.  If you want to remember that child and feel comfortable talking about them Anam Cara will provide the forum. If you just want to know that you are not alone, Anam Cara will give you access to other bereaved parents, resources, Self Help ideas.”

. The Irish Hospice Foundation, Morrison Chambers, 32 Nassau Street,  Dublin 2

Tel:-  353(0)1 6793188  353(0)1 6793188

www.hospice-foundation.ie
. Irish Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society Tel. 8726996
Booklet : A little lifetime
. Irish Sudden Infant Death Association Helpline 1850 391 391

If further help is needed consult your GP

Leaflets from the Irish Hospice Foundation on child bereavement. There are also a series of information leaflets on aspects of bereavement, written by Irish Social Workers and Psychologists, have been in a bid to support people who have experienced a loss. 

The leaflets are available from the IHF’s offices at Morrison Chambers, 32 Nassau Street, Dublin 2.  Telephone:-  01-679 31 88  01-679 31 88.The leaflets can also be downloaded from the website on www.hospice-foundation.ie. 

We have a public loan service to allow individuals to learn more about coping with death and bereavement.  People can access the reading list on our website (www.hospice-foundation.ie) or contact the Foundation to request a list.  A person will be able to borrow two books at a time and keep the books for one month.  The loan of the books can be renewed for a further two weeks.  The books will be sent by post or can be collected from the Foundation’s Dublin office.  The cost of the service is €5 to cover administration.We published a book on grief entitled Irish Stories of Loss and Hope as a resource for bereaved people. It is a collection of stories, poetry and art from individuals which captures their stories of grief and offers insights into how they coped with their loss.  It was edited by Dr Susan Delaney, Bereavement Services Manager at the IHF .  Copies of the book are available from Dubray Books at a cost of €5.

The Wolf Tones are playing in the Royal Hotel,Bray,Co.Wicklow on Easter Sunday – 4th April 2010.Tickets are €25 each and the doors are open at 8pm,you can buy your tickets at the Royal Hotel any time.

Phone: – 01-2862935

Website: – www.regencyhotels.com

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John O’Connell Health and Fitness Coach

Along with his numerous exercise and health qualifications John is a licensed Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) Master Practitioner and Life Coach. John’s ability to motivate and inspire others is outstanding. He has helped transform the lives of others not just through training but through his unique style of mental training using his NLP coaching skills.

Eireann Mannion

She is a first time Mum to Fiachra who was born on 6th October 2009. She feels that since having the baby and putting on weight she has lost her confidence. Her stomach and arms are the problem areas for her and she really wants to change them. Her weight gets her down.You talked about in your introduce VT about lacking in self confidence, why is this do you think?I think I lack in self confidence because I have just never liked my body and I’m extremely conscious about it even when I was slim I felt fat. I’m also extremely paranoid and think people are constantly saying horrible things about me when I’m around them even if they’re not. I think I’ve always had this issue I don’t really know why, but I always fought it and put up a front. At one point my self confidence plummeted I couldn’t even go to the shop or get a bus on my own until recently because the thought of people looking at me was awful.

 Are there any particular situations that make you feel uncomfortable?

When I’m out I hate being the new person in a group of people I’m constantly biting my nails and rarely make eye contact for example Johns boot camps, when I first went I nearly died with embarrassment I was almost shaking because I knew I was new and people would be looking at me.

  

When you feel like this how do you cope with it?

I normally giggle or pretend I’m really confident and that I don’t care. I never make eye contact and don’t really make conversation unless someone talks to me first then I always respond as much as I can but I just keep my head down until somebody does speak to me.Are you good at taking compliments? If someone was to say something nice to you how would you respond?No, just get embarrassed.

 

Is there one thing you would like to change about yourself?

I would love to be able to walk into a room and not be terrified about what people think of me. I worry about every word I say incase I offend someone and I just want to able to have naturally flowing conversations; to be able to get on the bus and not feel embarrassed; just more confidence all round!

 

How did you get on with John the other day?

I got on grand, he took me threw some techniques to help me in situations where I need confidence he mad me picture myself really confident standing in a square with a bright colour around me and then made me step into that square which left me feeling super confident.

 

John O’Connell:

Why is it do you think that people have low self-confidence?

In most cases people have low self-confidence because they don’t respect themselves enough. This can be due to a number of reasons like traumatic experiences in the past, bullying, bad relationships etc However there are certain situations that we will be more confident in than others. Someone may have all the confidence in the world when at a party but ask them to make a speech in public and they freeze.

 

What things can people do to reverse this?

1. Change your physiology – Posture, body language etc Think about how a confident person holds themselves
2. Change your thoughts – Focusing on the negative all the time will only get you more negativity
3. Think about who you know or admire that has the confidence you want. Write out a list of all the confidence characteristics you want.

 

What things should we avoid doing to help boost our confidence?

I would imagine there is a fine line between confident and arrogant. Never try to look confident at the expense of someone else; truly confident people rarely try to show off their confidence. They seem to have a quiet confidence or an air about them without being over the top.

 

I read somewhere about people’s inability to accept compliments, why do you think this is?

It can be due to a number of reasons. They may not have the confidence to believe the compliment; they may think that accepting the compliment might be seen as arrogant. However if someone does pay you a compliment the best thing to do is say thank you, accept it and return a compliment back.

 

What things did you do with Eireann?

We talked about her perception of other people. She used to think that others are judging her and thinking bad of her. What I helped her realise is that she can’t read minds. She can’t know for sure what others are thinking. I also helped her realise that most people are thinking about themselves rather than someone else. Most people are too worried about what they look like and how they come across than someone else.

 

Disclaimer:The training programmes and nutrition being outlined by John O’Connell for the 3 Mums in Start Again in 2010 is specifically tailored for the individuals taking part. In no way is this a generic programme and you should always consult with your GP before following any of the advice outlined on the show or via the website, facebook etc.

 

Additional / Misc’ Info:
To contact John O’Connell:

 

www.newenergy.ie or www.dublinbootcamps.com

 

Ph:-086 171 5532  086 171 5532  086 171 5532

RTÉ Radio rugby commentator Michael Corcoran first toured with the Irish rugby team in 2000, when they travelled to Argentina, USA and Canada. He has completed two British and Irish Lions tours, to Australia in 2001 and to New Zealand in 2005. Michael Corcoran began his broadcasting career with RTÉ Radio Cork. He was acknowledged before a Heineken cup game in May 2008 as it was the 123rd game he has commentated on in the competition.
Steps to enter Competition:

1. Go to www.rte.ie/6nations and click Fantasy Rugby
2. Click register free
3. Enter email address
4. Fill in details
5. Confirm
6. Choose a Team Name and select your players. If you don’t want to choose the players yourself, click LUCKY DIP
7. VERY IMPORTANT Click the “Enter New League” button when you have chosen your players
8. Go to the Joining an Existing League section and enter code 3177

How do players score points?

. Full Appearance (player starts and finishes the game) 3pts
. Part Appearance(player starts but doesn’t finish the game)2 pt
. Substitute Appearance (player comes on as a substitute) 1 pt
. Try 5 pts
. Assist (last pass, charge down or kick to the try scorer) 3 pts
. Penalty Kick, Conversion and Drop Goals 1 pt
. Winning Team Member 1 pt
. Yellow Card -1 pt
. Red Card -2 pts
. Official Man of the Match 5 pts

Prizes:

 
The prize also includes flights and 4* accomodation to Ireland’s away fixtures, so it is the ultimate prize for any Ireland supporter.

Overall prize – The overall winner will certainly have reason to celebrate, as they will receive match tickets for 2 adults to ALL of Ireland’s 6 Nations Championship 2011 games.

The DSPCA provide all the equipment and food needed so there is no expense for the senior, but they benefit from the company of the pet and are providing the DSPCA with a much needed service.Dublin SPCA receives hundreds of orphaned kittens and puppies and must find temporary foster homes for them until they are ready to be placed up for adoption.

Lori Davis: Fundraiser for the Senior Fostering

 Programme DSPCA – www.dspca.ie

Dublin SPCA Recruiting Seniors for a New Pet Fostering Programme Dublin SPCA & Home Instead Senior Care have started a unique pet fostering service for senior citizens which enables them to foster a cat or dog for a number of weeks.Dublin SPCA receives hundreds of orphaned kittens and puppies and must find temporary foster homes for them until they are ready to be placed up for adoption. We also take in older animals or animals needing medical treatment that would heal more quickly within a home rather than in a shelter environment. The length of stay in a foster home varies from 1 to 7 weeks and on occasion longer depending on the circumstance of the animal.

How does it benefit seniors?

Extensive scientific research has proven that having a pet helps older people maintain a sense of purpose, feel less lonely and depressed, and encourages seniors to be healthier. Pet fostering is ideal for those that do not wish to commit to owning a pet full-time but would like to avail of the many benefits of pet ownership.

The Dublin SPCA provide the ‘foster parents’ with all of the leads, water-bowls, kitty-lits, beds and food – with thanks to supporters Nestle Purina – that are required so that there is no cost at all to the foster parent.Foster Programme Orientation – Thursday 4 Feb at 2pmThe Dublin SPCA is hosting an Orientation for seniors to learn more about the programme at the Dublin SPCA shelter on Mount Venus Road in Rathfarnham on Thursday 4 February from 2pm to 4pm. If you would like to attend, please register by emailing

georginaneal@eircom.net or ring Lori Davis on               087 903 2254         087 903 2254 for more information.
“Home Instead is proud to be working with the Dublin SPCA on a programme that will give older people a greater sense of purpose and meaning, and animals a second chance,” said Ed Murphy, Managing Director of Home Instead.Lori Davis, Dublin SPCA explains: “Animals can have a profound and positive impact on people. As an organization, we look for ways in which we can help animals and improve people’s lives. Through our Senior Pet Fostering programme, we will save the lives of orphaned, abandoned and forgotten animals and provide meaningful experiences for seniors. This programme fulfills our core philosophy that by fostering a compassionate relationship between humans and animals, we create a kinder and more caring society.”If you would like to get involved in our Senior Best Friends Fostering programme or have parents, grandparents, relatives, friends or family that you think might benefit from this programme, please email Geoginaneal@eircom.net.

Lori Davis: DSPCA fostering Program
1.How many kittens / puppies are they looking to foster out in 1 week; 1 month; 1 year?

The programme started last year and they can foster more than 800 pets in a year, so 80 a month and up to 20 a week. Spring is baby season, so many kittens and puppies are born at this time and there is an influx of animals into the shelter.

2.Where are they found and in what circumstances?
Most of the time a member of the public will contact the shelter. They may have found a litter of kittens locally, the mother may have abandoned them or may have passed away or been injured. There own pets may have given birth and they don’t have the space to house them. Stray cats that have not been spayed may have given birth. They also safe animals from un-safe conditions and mistreatment.

4.Why do they need foster care before finding a home?
There is an over-population of cats and dogs so the shelter is very busy. There are 125 pods/spaces for animals and more than one puppy for example can be in this space but they need to accommodate 800 a year! It helps the shelter by expanding to people’s homes and freeing up space in the shelter for other cases.A kitten is vaccinated 9 weeks after it is born and a puppy is vaccinated 8 weeks after it’s born. It is then kept in the shelter one more week for observation and then re-homed. Up until this time they are very susceptible to disease, bugs and germs, in particular cat flu which would kill a small kitten. It is much safer for the pets to be out of the shelter at this time as there is less chance of them picking up a bug from another animal. If the kitten no longer has her mother during this period, then they are not receiving the protective anti-bodies from the mother’s milk. The best scenario for them is to spend time in a safe home.Some animals may simply be too nervous or stressed in the busy shelter and a quiet home environment with an affectionate minder calms their nerves and is far more beneficially to the animal.

5.How long do they stay in foster care?
It depends on each case, sometimes they may be ill and need to be treated for a few weeks, for example ringworm takes five weeks to treat. Other times they may be waiting to be vaccinated so this could be 8 or nine weeks.

6.Why are you targeting seniors in this programme?
One of the main reasons that a senior may not have a pet is because they feel that they may not be able to take care of them on a full-time basis. This programme gives them the opportunity to mind a pet and have that companionship for a short term period that is suitable for them.
The DSPCA is 170years old this year and it costs €1.8million to run the shelter each year. The shelter would be running at a deficit if it were not for the gifts that they receive from the public and a huge majority of these gifts comes from seniors (legacy gifts). This accounts for 30% of the total operations costs each year. The DSPCA really wanted to give back to this group of people who have been their benefactors.They also hold events twice a year to honour their members and thank them for all their help saving these animals lives.
It is also a huge concern to seniors about what will happen to their pet if they pass away. The DSPCA also have a new service Pet Life for seniors. If they pass away they will re-home their pets, offering them a form of life assurance.

8.Do they receive equipment to take care of them?
The DSPCA provides them with everything they need to take care of the pets. On collection they give them all the information needed to take care of them and what to look out for. They give them all their food, carriers, litter tray, feeding bowls etc. If the pet is on medication they provide this along with veterinary care when needed. They even pay for the cost of transport for anyone who might be physically impaired.

9.How do they get the pets, what is the process?
The course coordinator has a list of people partaking in the programme. When an animal comes into the shelter they phone and email the members and tell them what animal they have and how long they need it fostered for. If the members are available they let the coordinator know and they work it out from there. They will collect the animal in the next day or two with all the equipment needed.

The programme director follows up the day after collection and once a week from then on. They are also setting up a foster buddy system so that first time fosters have someone who lives locally and who has already gone through the process at hand 24hrs to call with questions or concerns, providing a social network in their own community.

10.Do they ever keep them?
Sometimes they go on to adopt them as they have formed such a bond with the pet and realize that they do have the capacity to have them on a full term basis.

11.Have you any happy stories?
Maureen adopted a beautiful puppy who was saved from a puppy farm and the two of them are inseparable. 76 animals were saved in this case and only half of them survived.

 

For more information on the fostering program contact the DSPCA:
www.dspca.ie or phone                  01 493 5502  01 493 5502          01 493 5502 or               01 493 5504         01 493 5504.
The DSPCA is located at Mount Venus Road, Rathfarnham, Dublin 167.How does this benefit the seniors?
Research has shown that seniors who have pets can be healthier, happier and more integrated into society. They meet their neighbours as they’re out walking their dog and experience more social interaction and exercise.
They are less lonely and have a purpose in life, routine and responsibility. They also have companionship at home and often as their spouse may have passed away and their children may have left home, their pet becomes their best friend. Even stroking a pet and having that interaction can be a very positive thing.Often when they foster a pet they remember why they loved having a pet so much in the first place and this can reduce heart rate,depression and even cholesterol!3.What age are they?
The majority of the animals in the foster programme are kittens and puppies but there are also some older pets, for example Mr. Kibbles is a beautiful cat who was brought to the shelter from an older couple. The gentleman’s wife had passed away and he felt he could no longer take care of Mr. Kibbles. Sometimes the animals might be sick or need medical treatment and people are not in a position to take care of them.

What do the DSPCA provide you with?

Jan De Vries-World Renowned Naturopath

Facts:

• Prostate Enlargement (benign) (all instances should visit the doctor)

• This is when the prostate glands swell

• Over 40% of men over 50 suffer from an enlarged prostate
  http://www.avogel.ie/Prostasan.php

What does it cause?

 
. Frequent toilet breaks
. Weak urine flow
. Sleep disturbed by toilet visits
. Feel that you cannot empty your bladder completely

Recommended Remedies:-Erectile Dysfunction

. Weakness of penis caused by, for example alcohol, diabetes or drugs

Recommended Remedies:-

Gingkoforce (available on prescription)
- Ginkgo extract promotes increased blood flow to extremities
Eleutherococcus – From the Ginseng family, used for increased endurance and stamina
Wheatgerm Capsules – A natural source of Vitamin E for health skin, coat, nervous system and to increase fertility
Anything else that can help?
Yoga – Alexander Technique
Acupuncture

Muscular Pains and Achee
Inflammation of the tissues, caused by physical activity E.g sport

Recommended Remedies:-

Knotgrass Complex:
-Knotgrass Complex can improve the elasticity and strength of connective tissues in the body, and particularly the joints
- Work as an anti-inflammatory agent by helping the body in the elimination of toxins.
Dosage: Adults 15-20 drops twice daily.
Atrogel Gel
Rub onto affected area if necessary
Indigestion and Heartburn

Whats the cause?

Chew food very well and also do some Breathing Exercises
Herbs for indigestions and heartburn?

Centaurium: Yarrow Complex
Centaurium is a stomach bitter and is used to improve digestion, by increasing both the secretion of digestive enzymes and gut motility. This will help relieve symptoms of indigestion such as nausea, flatulence, fullness and gastric discomfort.
Any exercises?
Breathing Exercise

Stress is one of the main causes
Tips:

Cholesterol

 
What remedies would he recommend?
Milk Thistle Complex: Avena Sativa

Hypertension

What is it?

High Blood Pressure
What remedies would he recommend?
Hawthorn Garlic,

Any additional information:

Ginkgo biloba’s epilepsy seizures warning
People with epilepsy should be warned that using a popular herbal remedy may increase the risk of seizures, researchers say.
German scientists, writing in the Journal of Natural Products, said they had found 10 written reports of seizures linked to ginkgo biloba.
They said they were convinced the herb could have a “detrimental effect”.
A leading UK epilepsy charity said the evidence was not yet compelling, although it said care was needed.
Ginkgo biloba remedies – made from the leaves of the tree of the same name – is used by many thousands of people in the UK as a remedy for health problems ranging from depression and memory loss, to headaches and dizziness.
The team from the University of Bonn focused on a particular chemical compound in the herb called ginkgotoxin.
They said that evidence suggested that it might alter a chemical-signalling pathway in the body linked to epileptic seizures, and potentially interfere with the effectiveness of anti-seizure medications.
In addition to any benefits, which still remained unproven, they wrote, there was a “clear potential for adverse effects”, particularly in susceptible patients
Even though there was no definitive proof that the herb had been the cause of the increase in seizures in the reported cases, patients should be warned about the possibility, and manufacturers asked to test their ginkgo products for levels of the toxin.

‘Be aware’

Professor John Duncan, from the National Society for Epilepsy, said that the current evidence did not necessarily warrant restrictions on the use of the remedy.
He said: “We believe that some herbs, for example St John’s wort, are linked to a higher risk of seizures, but there is still not a great deal of evidence about problems related to ginkgo.
“We would say that if someone who has epilepsy wants to take this remedy, they should simply be aware of the possibility.”
REF:-

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8485609.stm

. Prostasan; Saw Palmetto – Brings relief to above symptoms
Other Tip: Eat pumpkin seeds – Cold water compresses it

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