FOUR SHIRES v LETTERS & DOG
Dog has bemoaned the fact that children seem to spend a great deal of time playing computer games. The story of the young lad who complained he couldn’t play football because there was a power cut sounds a little too close to the bone! As if to prove the point a newly published book has been sent to the offices of his master. ‘Skimming Stones’ by Rob Cowen and Leo Critchley tells us how to ‘get back to nature’ by ‘re-awakening the child within’. The book shows us how to dam little streams, make kites, skim stones and catch minnows. There is also a
section on carving wood and foraging for ‘wild’ food. The book is great - it details the many things we used to do as children and the positive effect it has on our well
being...the only sad thing is that we need this book to point the way in this day and age!
DOGGIE DONORS NEEDED
Chipping Norton Veterinary Hospital are asking pet owners to register their dog to be a Pet Blood Bank donor. The Pet Blood Bank says: “We collect blood from donors at organised sessions throughout the UK, which is stored at our processing unit in Loughborough, ready to be supplied to veterinary practices across the UK.” Charity Pet Blood Blank provides a national canine blood bank. They are the only Pet Blood Bank Charity in the UK and between 2007 and 2010 they have had 2,723 dogs register onto the programme. Every unit collected can help save up to four dogs’ lives.
Dogs are blood typed for the DEA 1.1 blood group and are either positive or negative for this blood group.
70% of our doggie donors are positive blood type and 30% of our donors are negative blood type.
The session will take place at Chipping Norton Veterinary Hospital, Albion Street, Chipping Norton, OX7 5BN.Owners can register their dog for the session, and check they match the criteria by visiting www.
petbloodbankuk.org or by calling 01608 642547.
ANIMAL MYTHS UNCOVERED? IF MY DOG HAS A DRY NOSE IT MEANS HE IS ILL.
There is some truth in being able to detect illness by spotting changes in your dog’s nose. A crusty nose, a runny nose, or one which has changed colour can all be an indication of disease. However, dogs’ noses may change from wet to dry, and cold to warm all in the course of the day. These changes are mainly related to the temperature and humidity of your dog’s environment. But if your dog’s nose is warm and dry and they are showing other signs of being unwell it is advisable to seek veterinary advice.
WHEN MY CAT PURRS IT MEANS SHE IS HAPPY.
If your cat is sat snuggled on your lap, purring like an engine, it is a safe to assume they are happy and content. So why do they purr when injured or at the vets? Studies show that cats experiencing pain or fear will also purr. It is believed that purring has a self-soothing effect and theories suggest the frequency of a cats purr promotes healing and bone growth. It may even lower blood pressure in their owners!
12 FOUR SHIRES v MARCH 2012 THANK YOU
Many thanks to Mrs Lovell and Andrew Smith of Bloxham for identifying the gentleman farmer in the pictures from the past section of the February 2012 magazine. The farmer was Mr Denzil Thomas who used to farm at ‘Wireless Poles’ at Hillmorton near Rugby.
TOUR DE TRIGS
Dear Sirs, It was with great pleasure that I heard that the Tour de Trigs has been re-instated for 2012. As an ex-competitor, I have to say that as a challenge, the hike is hard work. On the day the event is tough - but the training and organisation involved for each team is time consuming too. For those who have made the effort to train previously, this will give them something to aim for once more.
Thank you to the organising people who have managed to put their differences behind them - it is good to see such a famous local event taking place again. Presumably, local Scouts and other youth groups we be involved in one way or
another...this is great to see.
Yours sincerely Jim Carter, Banbury
If you have something to say, or information about anything that appears in the magazine, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please send your information and letters by email to
copy@fourshires.co.uk
MY DOG’S SALIVA IS ANTISEPTIC.
It would be nice to think that when your dog licks you it is doing something more beneficial than just covering you in slobber. However most pet owners would agree their dog’s mouth is not the cleanest of places, especially after they’ve just devoured a questionable substance on their walk. The truth is that although dog’s saliva may possess some antiseptic properties it can also harbour many different bacteria which can cause infection in humans, especially those with a weaker immune system. It is for this reason that if your dog has a wound, even one which has been sutured, they should not be allowed to lick it.
CATS HAVE NINE LIVES.
If you think your cat’s ability to escape near death rivals that of James Bond it is probably down to their amazing sense of balance. When falling from a great height this allows them to correct their body position in mid-air, enabling them to land on all-fours. They are also helped by their low bodyweight and small size. This doesn’t mean they are invincible, if your cat suffers a fall it is worth having them checked out by a vet.
Sophie Lowe of West Bar Vets
DOG
YOUR LETTERS
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