EDUCATING THE CHILDREN – WHAT AN EDUCATION!
SASHA’ s education programme is forging ahead great guns. More than 1,000 children have been put through the programme so far this year. How do we measure its success? If 10% of those kids can take what they have learnt back into their community, their home, to their friends and neighbours, then it can be counted as a success. The education has been very much a two way street. The team has learnt a lot, and some fundamental issues have emerged from the education sessions. Humane education is not part of the curriculum in many schools, so teachers have to be persuaded and influenced to accept SASHA’s education programme in their classes. Some teachers are very open to it and offer their full participation whereas others need to be fully briefed so they can gain an understanding of what we are trying to achieve.

So SASHA now starts with the leadership of the school before entering the class room. A lesson learnt. With a bit of experience and trial and error under our belt, the programme target group is now at the Grade 3 level, rather than at the Grade 2 level, as the content proved to be more appropriate and effective at this level. A lot more participation by the children is encouraged in the programme and we have received some amazing questions from the ‘bright sparks’ in the class. Vicky, ‘the SASHA Education dog’ provides a valuable opportunity for children to come into contact with an animal. A child is appointed to take Vicky around the class so everybody can give her a pat. In some cases, it overcomes a child’s fear of an animal. It is rather unfortunate that most of the children have witnessed dog fights or acts of cruelty, but we have taken great care to turn this into a positive opportunity to persuade children that it is wrong, and to provide them with contact numbers for their parents to report cases of cruelty. Notices are also left at the schools providing emergency numbers, clinic details and essential information on basic animal care. Our training material is a ‘work of art ‘ in progress.

After each session there is ‘a post mortem’ and changes are made if necessary. Having Tabisa as our Xhosa speaking educator has been a great help at Ukhanyo in Masiphumelele. Just a little anecdote from one of the sessions. The class was being rather rowdy so a ‘ukuba uyanxhola okanye uyathetha uzakuphuma phandle.’ (meaning ‘Quiet Now or you will be sent outside ’ in Xhosa) from Tabisa, resulted in immediate silence and attention by the class. We have come a long way since the programme started, and we look forward to the next lessons to be learnt. May we continue to capture the attention of the children for the future of the animals. Thanks to the Cape of Good Hope SPCA for supplying colourful and simple ‘do’s and don’ts ‘ of animal care posters for the educational sessions, and once again, thanks to the Humane Education Trust. From your Education Team Note: We also print a number of handouts to give the children 'food for thought' and we would like to find a sponsor to cover the cost of these. Please call us if you can help.

Sterilisation figures this year so far: 856
Jan 1st – June 30th: 683
July and August: 173

DOG FOOD NEEDED
We are running short of dog food, pellets and cans, and our patients are always very hungry… any donations gratefully received, however small. Many thanks to Claira in Fish Hoek and Mrs Brander’s class in Kommetjie Primary School for their recent assistance.

SASHA is 2 years old...
we started in June 2006 when we had the Doc, her old bakkie and a handful of parttime volunteers. We now employ three people from our poorer communities, and we have a number of volunteers helping us and a Toyota Hilux courtesy of the Marchig Animal Welfare Trust. We also have plenty of animal carrying boxes courtesy of Keringa / Petwings, (although we do need more holding pens or cages for the spayathons) and we have the equipment we need to run our educational sessions in local schools – thanks to the D G Murray Trust. In 2006 (June – December) we sterilised 40 animals (22 dogs and 18 cats). In the 12 months of 2007 we sterilised 366 animals (227 dogs, 117 cats and 22 rabbits). And in 2008 so far (Jan – end August) we have sterilised 856 animals. Thanks to all of our supporters and funders who have made this possible – from these figures you can see that we are going from strength to strength – and every animal sterilised means fewer being born into neglect and cruelty.

Regular donors
Many thanks to those of you who have set up a stop order for regular donations. But we still need more! If 500 people each gave us R50 per month, we would be able to cover almost all our costs. So, grateful thanks to those of you who give R30 and thanks to those of you who give even more! Please help to swell our donor numbers.

NOVEMBER 5TH : "GUY FAWKES NIGHT PLEASE KEEP YOUR ANIMALS SAFE"

Bank Donations
We get quite a number of donations paid directly into our bank account without a specific reference. If anyone makes a payment this way and requires acknowledgement or a receipt please e-mail us or give us a call to let us know. Thank you!

DOC’S REPORT (Tail docking)
Tail docking in puppies has been carried out in certain breeds for many years, to comply with certain breed standards. It is either for the “fashionable look” or, in some working breeds, it is said to reduce the likelihood of injury. From June 1st 2008 tail docking had been classed by the S.A. Veterinary Council as an unethical procedure and may no longer be carried out by veterinarians unless necessary for medical reasons. I, and many other veterinarians, have welcomed this ruling. In my opinion, cutting off a puppy’s tail is an unnecessary mutilation and constitutes cruelty. Unfortunately many people don’t take the puppy to a vet for the procedure but do it themselves. An article was published in the Australian Veterinary Journal (Vol 74, No. 1, July 1996) – 12 YEARS AGO - this listed many good reasons why tail docking can be detrimental to the dog – apart from the obvious problems at the time of docking such as pain, bleeding and poor healing. I quote from the article: “…our current knowledge is sufficient to show the canine tail is an anatomically and physiologically important organ which should not be docked simply because tradition dictates it. Cosmetic tail docking cannot be justified medically or scientifically and recent advances in our knowledge about pain indicate that it should he regarded as an inhumane act.” Twelve years later we are, at last, trying to create change. The article describes in some detail anatomical, physiological and psychological aspects related to docking dogs tails . Please contact us if you would like further information.
Dr Yvonne Robson

Thank You
In the last newsletter we forgot to say THANK YOU to Regal Cycles, 4 Kommetjie Road, Fish Hoek who serviced and sponsored slick tyres for my mountain bike for the Argus – we had a few more late sponsors and eventually raised almost R50,000 from this venture – what will the Doc do next year? For your cycling needs ‘phone Regal Cycles on 021 782 2944

Also thanks to: Internet solutions www.is.co.za for hosting our website and providing internet access. Sean Cairns and Leanne van Rensburg for continuing to update our website…. Thanks Leanne for getting the photo gallery up and running … and now SASHA has arrived on FACEBOOK as well.

Thank you for supplying us with excellent T-shirts Jill van Wyk of Down to Earth ‘original african creations’ tel.021-685-4606, fax.021-685-0619, cell 082-453-9569 www.down-to-earth.co.za and Chris Turk of Logo Sportswear Promotional clothing & screen-printing factory tel.021-593-5571, fax.086-510-0485, cell 082-483-6024.

Khayelitsha spayathon
Another spayathon in Khayelitsha was held on 16th August. Thanks once again to all the vets, nurses and many other helpers, and to Mdzananda Animal Clinic and the SPCA.
62 bitches were spayed and 28 dogs neutered. 2 dogs were humanely euthanased because of advanced TVT (Transmissible Venereal Tumour, a sexually transmitted disease common in dogs and bitches in the impoverished areas – preventable by sterilisation). And once again, remember that in six years, one female dog and her offspring could produce 67,000 dogs. So 62 bitches…?
Many thanks to Gabi de Bie and friends for doing a blanket collection for the spayathon.

The next spayathon in Khayelitsha is scheduled for Saturday 18th October.
Please let us know if you would like to assist on the day or if you can offer any financial assistance – the last day cost us over R2,000, and this was with many items donated so we didn’t have to pay for them (syringes, needles, some drugs, anti-parasitic medicine) otherwise it would have cost double this - and the vets, nurses and other volunteers gave their time willingly and free-of charge. And we are also planning a trip to the West Coast again later this month – this trip is kindly sponsored by Worldwide Veterinary Service (www.wvs.org.uk)

SASHA will be at this year’s Noordhoek Country Fair on 2nd November on Noordhoek Common.
Look out for us at Stall No 80 and please give us your support.

Many thanks, once again, to The Marchig Animal Welfare Trust for giving financial support to our sterilisation campaign.

Thank you Ace Grinding & Sharpening, Steenberg for discounting our clippers.
For your pet grooming needs call 021 701 1648

A special thanks to Lorna Richards and Elizabeth Vismer for the donation of beautiful books and CD's, which will be sold from our stall at the Noordhoek Country Fair on 2/11/2008.

Many thanks to Jenny Strzalkowski, Barbara Wilson and Chris Kaier for stitching op cloths.

Many thanks to all those who donate regularly: Ann Liggett, Kline Engineering CC, Bobwal Interiors, Ingrid Holt, Long Beach Cash Crusaders, David Abery, Dr Jacka, John & Jean Pettet, Linda Miller, Liz Griffiths and parents, Lauren Wheeler, Anita Breed, Nico Breed, Heather Dresner, The Science Press, Bridget Farham, Janet Jackson, M. A Nuis, T & N West, Silvana McLeod, Yvonne Blomkamp.

Thanks also to Paul Rasmussen of Medcare Products for donating syringes.

ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR
3. Preventing Sexually Deviant Behaviour in Pets
Part 1
Now that I’ve got your attention….! Actually we want to prevent ANY sexual behaviour in our pets, unless we are professional breeders. “Deviant” means abnormal, so we won’t go there, but will discuss normal UNACCEPTABLE behaviour instead. So what is sexual behaviour in animals? It can cover a whole range of behaviours that are influenced by sex hormones like testosterone and oestrogen. Here are some:

Humping or leg riding
When excited, many young animals (including humans!) do this to any object, be it another animal, a soft toy, a leg or whatever…. Sometimes the penis emerges, although female animals also do this sometimes. Despite the fact that this is totally normal and natural in very young animals, it can be embarrassing to others and we certainly don’t want to encourage it, as it may become a problem later on. The best way to deal with it is to ignore it, walk out of the room or distract the animal by throwing him or her a chew toy. Usually young animals grow out of this on their own as they discover it is not socially acceptable and is not rewarded. Remember that dogs are often rewarded when we think we are punishing or reprimanding them. If we shout the dog’s name, stare at him and touch him in any way, this may actually encourage the behaviour. And please don’t assume your puppy is being raped when this happens to her. She probably won’t even notice it.

Leg-cocking
While you may think this is just urinating, you are mistaken. Male dogs cock their legs to mark territory, which is related to sexual status in the pack. The higher the mark, the bigger and stronger the dog is. All sorts of other messages are also carried in the urine. Some dominant bitches also cock their legs, but not quite as high. If a dog is insecure about his status in the home, he may mark and remark areas, much to the annoyance of his owners. By eliminating testosterone (sterilising male dogs), this behaviour is usually greatly reduced, especially when it happens around the home.

Spraying
This is leg-cocking for cats. It can also occur around the house if your cat feels threatened by another animal. Neighbours’ cats have been known to enter houses by night and leave their smelly messages on curtains or furniture. Female cats (queens) also do this on occasion. Again sterilisation helps to solve the problem in most cases. Hormone treatment usually works when the neutering has not. If you have a multi-cat household and spraying is a problem, then it’s worth considering Feliway spray or a Feliway dispenser. Feliway is cat pheromones that make cats feel less threatened and more comfortable in their homes.

Masturbating
This may be bordering on the deviant, although I have heard of it so often in certain breeds (e.g. Staffordshire Bull Terriers) that I’m not sure it isn’t normal. Adult male or female dogs may masturbate and it can become a problem for the owners. Usually it is something the dog is “addicted to” in that it does it often and seems to get a “high” from the activity. Sterilisation may help, but in problem cases the dog has to be taught to do it in private, rather than in front of humans. The cause seems to be boredom, for example: lack of walks, training, toys and other forms of mental stimulation.

Caterwauling
That’s what cats do when they call each other, usually when they’re on heat. If you don’t like being woken up at 2am by cats fighting and mating noisily, then sterilise all your cats, and your neighbours’ cats. Keeping your cats inside at night helps too. Remember to have a litter tray available if you keep them in.

Dog fights
You may think this isn’t sexual behaviour, but in male dogs testosterone in the system makes them more aggressive and more likely to have fights with other dogs and perhaps even people. A castrated male is easier to socialise with other dogs and easier to live with. … part 2 in the next newsletter
Karen Gray-Kilfoil Animal Behaviourist and Humane Educator www.animal-behaviour.org.za/karengray

Working in Westlake
SASHA has now extended their activities to the Westlake community where the education of animal owners and sterilisation of their animals is desperately needed. One of the challenges faced is persuading owners to have their animals sterilised and to make them aware of the fact that if their animals are sick or injured they must seek medical assistance for them. A case in point is the sad tale of a kitten… the owner noticed a wound on its neck but didn’t bother to take it to a clinic or ask for help until he saw our van driving down his road. He called us over and told Barrington that a child had slashed it with a knife. By the time we saw the cat its neck was deeply cut all the way around – not because of a knife cut but because an elastic band had been placed around the neck. The owner wasn’t interested in paying anything at all for the extensive treatment that the patient would require.

And another case – there are plenty of tales to tell – of a dog with a smashed radius and ulna (foreleg)… although the leg was very clearly broken, obvious for anyone to see, the owner had simply placed a torn piece of material around a couple of pieces of tree bark to ‘splint the leg’. Ten days later we drove along the road and so were asked to look at the dog as it wasn’t better. The ‘home made’ treatment was totally ineffective as a splint and probably causing more pain than the dog would have been in without the bandage. And the wound was compound (the skin was broken) and so infected by this time. The patient was utterly miserable. Once again, all we could do was assist the dog to rest in peace. The owner could have made one phone call to us and the dog would not have had to suffer for 10 days.

SASHA faces these difficult situations every day, but in the cases of these two animals. for humane and financial reasons, there was no choice but to put these animals out of their misery.

It is a choice vets dread having to make, but they have the experience to make a well informed and compassionate decision when these situations arise. It is never easy though.

However, one has to look at the greater good as it means more animals will be sterilised and, therefore, less animals will be looking for homes. The prevention of overpopulation needs to remain the ultimate and primary objective, and it is the basis on which funds are raised. Cruelty and neglect is often the product of ignorance, and one of SASHA’s prime objectives is to overcome this ignorance through providing a regular service in as many areas as they can gain access to. It is hoped that this will prevent the culture of neglect and ignorance being handed down to the youth. On a positive note, SASHA is already making a difference in this community and we will keep you posted.

Funds and Fundraising
An uphill battle ………. SASHA operates with passion and on a shoe string budget, with Dr Robson giving of her expertise and time selflessly. Our fund raising efforts are continuous with applications made to Corporates and Trusts. It is evident that animal welfare organisations seem to be at the bottom of the pile when it comes to receiving donations. One of the problems is that organisations can receive up to 500 applications a day asking for funding. We have therefore, only achieved marginal success with our fund raising applications.

We also make appeals for regular monthly donations, arrange fund raising events and network with civic and other organisations to raise our profile and hopefully attract donors. Please bear our organisation in mind when considering donations to charity. We are registered as a Public Benefit Organisation so donations are tax deductible. One of SASHA’s volunteers has come up with a great idea to raise money. On the occasion of her birthday she asked her friends to make a donation to SASHA rather than to give her gifts. Another friend of SASHA had her birthday party as far afield as Holland and requested the same of her friends, and we received another cash injection. Many thanks to Heather Dresner and Laura and Marlene Meurs. Maybe you would like to consider this kind gesture.

Printing of this newsletter is kindly sponsored by The Science Press - scientific and technical editing, illustration, proofreading and typesetting. Tel: (021) 789 2331, www.thesciencepress.com

A Tale of Two Puppies – The sequel
For those of you that remember our “Tale of Two Puppies” in our last newsletter – good news – Mr Jones from Muizenburg phoned us to say he had seen our newsletter and had realised that the pup he had just adopted from the SPCA was one of those pups. He was very grateful for the work we put in to assist these animals and very pleased that he had given this pup a place in his home. So for one, at least, it appears that he will live happily ever after! If you have the other one, please give us a call. Although we do not have the facilities, funds or manpower to run an adoption program ourselves, we are very grateful to organisations that can, and we are always delighted to hear when any of our animals that we pass on to other welfares are given good homes. Once again, we at SASHA appeal to you to assist us in our sterilisation and education campaigns. Please set up a regular stop order each month to give us a fixed monthly income so we know we can continue the work. If anyone is able to organise any discounted fuel for our bakkie (unleaded petrol) please contact us.

Muddling along in Malmesbury
There is an overpopulation of cats in Malmesbury, notably in the Prison. Barrington and I took a trip there for a couple of days in May. We arrived early afternoon and were greeted by a Warder and taken to the cells to collect a few of the inmates’ cats to commence sterilising: 10 were sterilised that afternoon. It took a long time to collect them because of the security… slow access to the cells. We then set traps outside to try and catch some of the feral cats (living wild in the Prison grounds) overnight. Our trapping was not very productive: a couple of the traps were interfered with and cats released, however, over 2 nights 8 cats were trapped of which 6 were sterilised and released and 2 euthanased, one with snuffles and one with a perforated eye and severe hind limb disability. But the cells were a never-ending source of cats and, although the whole process of getting them to us and then returning them to the cells later was a bit chaotic, we managed to sterilise a total of 51 ‘cell cats’, a couple of which were pregnant. The Swartland SPCA had also heard I was in the area and added some feral cats to the ops list – we sterilised a further 12 cats for them. Unfortunately I also had to euthanase 12 cats from Yzerfontein which the SPCA trapped which were all in a terrible state with severe snuffles. So a total of 69 sterilisations in just over 2 days – many thanks to Dr Sewellyn Davey for accommodating us and popping in to help on Tuesday, and to Dr Andries Groenewald of Bergzicht Dierehospitaal for assisting for a couple of hours on Wednesday – this speeded things up considerably. The final hour was the worst as we appeared to have been abandoned within the Prison – lots of cats to return and no-one to return them! Having intended to leave at 2 we finally got away at 5.20pm for a trip back to a rainy Cape Town. And unfortunately there are still more and we will have to return… Andries, I’ll let you know!
Dr Yvonne Robson

BOOK SALES
The sale of books continues to generate a much needed income for SASHA, but we need those donations of books to keep coming. Please continue with your generous support. See our diary of book sales below. All sales start at 10.00am.
Venues:
Old PicknPay Centre Sun Valley
September Friday 26th
October Thursday 2nd & Saturday 25th
November Saturday 29th
December Saturday 6th

Long Beach Mall
November Thursday 6th

The next Malmesbury trip is now provisionally booked for 21st and 22nd October – if anyone can help with funding or hands -on help please let us know.

Proposed new by-laws for Cape Town
We have now received a copy of the proposed new animal bylaws and are collecting comments from veterinarians and other concerned parties. If anyone would like further information please contact us.


Untill next time.....
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