April – June 2014 The Ras al Khaimah Animal Welfare Centre (RAK AWC) is an animal sanctuary funded by the Government of Ras Al Khaimah, with the patronage of His Highness, Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras al Khaimah.

NEWSLETTER No. 13

OUR NEWS Visit from the Word Society for the Protection of Animals

Facelift for our Kennels

During the week beginning March 9th until March 13th, WSPA trainer Alistair Findlay travelled from the UK to RAK to train our stray animal catching staff how to correctly catch dogs and cats, humanely and with the least amount of stress possible. This was the third year that WSPA has come to RAK AWC to provide training. Alistair was very impressed with the improvement of the catching skills of the guys in the stray animal teams. They showed exceptional skills in perseverance, planning, team work and communicating with people in the community.

Thank you very much too all our generous supporters that sponsored the RAK AWC relay teams running in this year’s RAK Half Marathon - we raised AED 6,500 which enabled us to purchase the materials to give our outdoor kennels a much needed improvement. Once we had the materials we put a call out to Lola from www.Volunteering.ae to help us with the giant task of painting all the kennels. Lola and 19 of her hard working volunteers spent their day scraping, cleaning and painting. Without all our supporters and volunteers this task would not have been possible. Thank you.

Mountain Dog Walk

We have been very lucky this year to have had such a long and cool winter, which has been particularly enjoyable for the dogs at RAK AWC. Our dogs have had the opportunity to enjoy several off leash walks and runs at Yanas Mountain. It is great for them to get out of the shelter, enjoy the fresh air and really stretch their legs. The mountain walks also allow us to learn much more about the dogs - Do they get car sick? Defecate in the car? Is it scary to them? Or do they actually enjoy it? At RAK AWC we try to learn as much as possible about our dogs before we adopt them out, so that we can help you make an informed decision when choosing the perfect dog for you and your family. During these excursions although our aim is to get to know the dogs better and to prepare them for a life as a pet dog, it is also great to see them run around and have an absolute ball!

GREAT PROMOTIONS THIS APRIL!!! This April receive a free dog chew bone or cat toy with every purchase from our pet shop!

Ras Al Khaimah Animal Welfare Centre Call us: 050 487 3922 or visit our website: www.rakawc.com Find us on Facebook

April – June 2014

ADOPT ME Our shelter is full of dogs and cats whose only dream is to have someone to love them, take care of them and protect them. They also have a lot to offer: friendship, devotion, fun, joy and love are only a few things on their long ‘give away lists’. All of our dogs and cats are vaccinated, desexed and microchipped before adoption and they are trained and socialised by our staff to be top pets. To see more dogs and cats, please visit our website www.rakawc.com or better still come and visit us at the shelter. Name: Joey Age: 9 months Breed: Domestic Short Hair Joey is such a sweet young boy, he is so loving, affectionate and extremely playful. He loves to be around people and is not shy about getting your attention – you will know that Joey is around! Once he has you all to himself he is very relaxed and loves nothing more than a good cuddle. This little guy is equally as happy playing around with his toys as he is wrapped up in your arms for love and cuddles. He would make a great addition to any family with his sweet and gentle nature. Name: Herra Age: 8 months Breed: Mixed Breed Herra is a beautiful, well-built girl with a lovely thick ginger coat. She is confident and outgoing and loves to play. She is very well adjusted and well socialized with other dogs and people. She has good concentration and is loyal, making her easy to train. She will make a great family pet. She walks well on leash, can sit, lie down, wait, stay, come and rides well in the car. She is good with other dogs, children and cats. Name: Vinny Age: 11 months Breed: DSH/Arabian Mau This purring machine is Vinny. As soon as you scoop him up into your arms he relaxes and becomes completely at home. Vinny is a friendly fellow who really misses being in a home environment. He is gentle and loving and gives the best pussy cat nuzzles. Vinny is desperate for a second chance at a happy life. All he wants is a family who will welcome him into their forever home and give him the love he deserves. There is so much to love about Vinny, he is a super star feline with lots of love to give.

Name: Mary Age: 1 year 10 months Breed: Saluki Mary is a very elegant Saluki who loves human attention. Mary gets on well with just about all other dogs. She loves to play and bounces around with great enthusiasm. Her enthusiasm for life and play is really a delight to watch. She has been nicknamed Butterfly by staff and volunteers at RAKAWC as she is so dainty and soft; when she is playing she sometimes looks like she could be floating. Mary is housetrained; she walks well on leash and happily rides in the car. She is great with just about everyone, dogs, children and even cats!

Ras Al Khaimah Animal Welfare Centre Call us: 050 487 3922 or visit our website: www.rakawc.com Find us on Facebook

April – June 2014

Why Fundraise?

‘The principle of fundraising is to raise money by asking for it’ (Institute of Fundraising, 2006).

Fundraising is essential for many local and national charities throughout the world to develop and maintain the services provided to help the people and animals they target. Even though many welfare organisations receive support from their local government, they still rely on the generosity of their supporters through donations and volunteering. Fundraising has existed for many thousands of years. In classical Greece and Rome, citizens raised money to build huge amphitheatres, provide feasts for all citizens, and have Olympic-style games. Religious fund raising can be seen in all religions. In Islam, Buddhism, Christianity, and Confucianism, money was raised to build places of worship and care for the poor. In America, fundraising is seen throughout history. During wars, Americans promoted campaigns and events designed to raise a specific amount of money to be used towards an immediate problem. These campaigns raised money for war veterans, for orphans of soldiers and to provide relief to families without food and shelter. Different organisations have different fundraising needs and goals, such as covering expenditure to carry out their work or working towards specific projects they are running. Here at the RAK AWC we are no different. As our operations are expanding so too are our costs. Despite the generous funding from the Government of Ras Al Khaimah, we still need to fundraise to continue the development of all our welfare services. We are currently developing an ambitious plan to introduce more fundraising activities into our centre to raise essential funds for our new building appeal. We want to involve the community more in our centre as there can be an enormous sense of achievement from fundraising; whether that is volunteering at events, donating money, helping in the office with marketing, etc. Through our various fundraising initiatives and the support of the business community and residents, this year we are aiming to raise over AED 200,000 to start our move to the new site in Al Hamra. The first phase will be re-locating the vet clinic, pet shop and to establish a dog walking park. The second phase will be opening the boarding facilities and to achieve this we need to raise AED 3,000,000 by the end of 2015. The third phase will be to move all remaining services of the centre, including TNR and educational programs, for which a further AED 6,500,000 is required. With your help and the help of the government of Ras Al Khaimah we will achieve our goals. How can you help us? Donate items that we can use for prizes at our events such as restaurant vouchers, gift vouchers etc. Host an event such as a coffee morning, cake sale, or a sponsored walk to raise funds for us. Please email or phone us for a fundraising pack. Support events we are hosting, by attending or volunteering. Sponsor a Kennel or Cat Room for a year, providing much needed funds for the animals that use it. Make an 'In Memory' cash donation for a loving pet or loved one. We will send you a card with the loved ones name and donation amount. Donate money to the centre by cheque made payable to RAK Animal Welfare Centre or donate into our bank account: Account Name: RAK Animal Welfare Centre Account No.: 0002-327761-001 Bank: RAK BANK Branch: Al Nakheel, Ras Al Khaimah IBAN: AE810400000002327761001 Swift Code: NRAKAEAK Please don’t forget to promote us at every opportunity you have and ask people to like our Facebook page and visit our website. Thank you.

Ras Al Khaimah Animal Welfare Centre Call us: 050 487 3922 or visit our website: www.rakawc.com Find us on Facebook

April – June 2014

HAPPY END STORIES – RELOCATION From January until March 2014, 32 dogs and 23 cats were adopted; their happy end stories are shown on our website www.rakawc.com. This quarter we are focusing on animals that have been rehomed and then happily relocated with their loving families to another country. June, who is now called Millie was one of those lucky girls, you can see her story below. Two years ago, my Mum and Dad saw an advertisement for RAK AWC online, they drove all the way from Dubai to Ras Al Khaimah and took me home with them the same day, I was only 9 weeks old – it was a big trip! They have always told me that they are completely committed to me and I know that they love and care for me unconditionally. They say that I was, and still am the best decision that they ever made and are so thankful to have me in their lives. Towards the end of 2013, Mum and Dad realised that we would have to leave Dubai. I was a little bit worried about where I would live as Mum would be returning to Australia to study and Dad would be moving back to America to work. There were a few discussions about where I was going to live, but I knew all along that I would be living safely with one of them; they wouldn’t have it any other way. Although Australia with Mum sounded pretty awesome, I decided that going to the USA would be the better option, given the living arrangements. There was never a moment when I worried that they might leave me behind in Dubai to find another family, like I have heard some other people do. My trip through the airport in Dubai was really easy; I was on the same flight as my Dad, when he left to get onto the plane himself he let me know that he would see me at the other end – Mum stayed in Dubai for the time being. Once we arrived in America, I waited for Dad in the baggage claim area; Dad picked me up before even getting his own luggage. I think he missed me on the flight. The pilot even came over after the flight to say hello and to see if I had enjoyed my trip – I told him it was fine, the in-flight entertainment was a bit lacking, but other than that not a problem. I love my new life in America – it is fantastic! Dad and I have such a great time together. He did have to buy me a new coat and boots as the temperature can get pretty low, I don’t know if you have seen that really cold white stuff that falls from the sky and makes the ground really cold, but you need to make sure that you have the right gear on to cope with that. My wardrobe is now pretty extensive thanks to my Dad’s excellent taste in outdoor wear. All in all it was such an easy and affordable process. But I would recommend that anyone who is thinking of adopting to consider the relocation costs first, check how much it is to relocate to whichever country you might end up in. If you can’t afford it, don’t adopt. If you already have a pet do not think that giving them up to a shelter is your only choice or best option if you have to leave the UAE. Trust me I am a pet!

Note: Please be aware that as of April 2014 there are significant increases in import and export fees.

Pet Relocation Companies There are a number of pet relocation companies in the UAE, Dubai based Snoopy Pets www.snoopypets.com, Dubai Kennels and Cattery www.dkc.ae, Pet Express Dubai and Move One www.moveone.com, to name a few. Move One will give a donation to RAK AWC following the successful completion of any move. To find out more information please visit: www.moveone.com or directly via: [email protected] quoting ‘RAK AWC.

Ras Al Khaimah Animal Welfare Centre Call us: 050 487 3922 or visit our website: www.rakawc.com Find us on Facebook

April – June 2014

ADVICE FROM OUR VET - PET NUTRITION Just like humans, dogs and cats need a balanced diet which supplies all their basic nutritional requirements in order for them to reach their full potential. It is important that we feed them just as nature intended - carnivores; their diet should always contain animal protein. How do I choose the best food for my pet? Your choice for your pet’s food depends on a number of factors which include the cost, availability of the food, health issues that your pet might have, your pet’s preferences and your personal philosophies. However you should know that your choice will have a lifelong effect on the general health and well being of your pet. Are commercially available foods safe and healthy? Commercially available pet foods have been used successfully for many years. Most manufactures use sophisticated quality control and food safety mechanisms in the manufacturing of pet foods. This makes commercial pet foods consistent, safe and a healthy option for feeding pets. Should I feed canned or dry food to my pet? Dry food is by far the most popular food because of its convenience and economics. It is a blend of meat, meat-by-products, grains, fats, vitamins and minerals and contains about 90% dry matter and 10 % water. It has been proven through research that dogs fed dry food have much less tartar build up and gum diseases and less obesity problems. It also takes less dry food to satisfy a pet’s appetite because of its high caloric density. However, cats that are fed only dry food have a higher propensity of developing urinary stones due to the low water content in dry foods. We recommend clients use both soft and dry food in order to provide some variety to your pet’s menu, as well as to benefit from their complimentary positive attributes. It is important though to check the amounts you feed in order to avoid over feeding. Are raw pet foods better than canned or dry food? Raw diets, both home-prepared and commercial have become popular nowadays, however the proof for their benefits is currently restricted to testimonials and not scientific observation. Raw diets pose a real risk for food-borne illness due to bacterial or parasitic contamination and may predispose pets to nutritional imbalances. The risks of feeding raw diets outweigh Their purported benefits. Should I give vitamin supplements to my Pet? If your pet is eating a complete and balanced commercial pet food, you should not give it any vitamin supplements unless they are specifically prescribed by your veterinarian. This reduces the chances of excesses and adverse nutrient interactions. Beware, vitamins are not only essential in small doses, but can also be toxic in large amounts. Are there foods that I should not feed to my pets? There are many foods that are potentially toxic or may cause other serious health issues if fed to our pets. Examples include grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, unbaked bread dough, chocolate, garlic, onions and foods artificially sweetened with xylitol. For a full list visit: http://www.petsafe.net/blog/2013/07/08/foods-you-should-never-giveyour-cat-or-dog-2

Ras Al Khaimah Animal Welfare Centre Call us: 050 487 3922 or visit our website: www.rakawc.com Find us on Facebook

April – June 2014

UPDATES from the RAK ANIMAL WELFARE CENTRE

Dogs & Cats - Under the guidance of dog trainer and behaviourist Nikki Gamman we have changed our dog training approach at RAKAWC. Instead of focusing solely on basic obedience commands, we are now also looking at adoptability. That means that we are focusing more on "good manners". This includes behaviour of the dogs on meeting new people, walking on leash and housetraining. This has helped us see some “long-term” shelter dogs finally get adopted after being here for many months with no interest. To help promote our cats we are joining the Bin Kitty Collective every month at their adoption days at Dubai Garden Centre. Keep an eye on the events page of our website for further details.

Education – We had another round of successful school visits in the last

quarter. In January we once again welcomed over 20 female students from Al Hamham School for girls. These delightful girls had the opportunity to learn about good animal care and they also had the opportunity to spend some time with the animals. This is the third year that teacher Mahra Al Shamsi has brought her class to the shelter and she hopes to continue to do so. In February our Educational volunteers Tracey and Bev were energised by visits with the lively KG1 classes from RAK Academy. We had over 120 little ones over the course of 3 days; they sure did have fun learning about all the animals here. The puppies in particular had a great time! An after school club from Year 6 at RAK Academy also visited us on Tuesday afternoons for 8 weeks as part of their extra curriculum program. They were taught about the many aspects of animal welfare and behaviour. They really enjoyed finding out a great deal from our animal caretakers and volunteers. If you are interested in participating in an educational program with your school or class please contact us by emailing: [email protected] or telephoning 050 4321 872.

PR, Fundraising & Events - This quarter has been very busy as we are

concentrating on developing our fundraising drive to raise the money to start the move to our Al Hamra site. If we can raise an initial 200,000 we can get our pet shop, vet clinic and dog walking park moved this year. We really want to get the park up and running for the winter months so dogs can enjoy time off the lead and both owners and pets can socialise. We have created fundraising sponsorship packs for individuals and companies and in April we have 2 events – The Family Fun Afternoon at Little Treasures Nursery on Friday April 11 and a BBQ and Silent Auction at the Cove Rotana Hotel on Wednesday Friday 23 - check out our website and Facebook for details. Early next quarter we will be placing a fundraising platform on our website so supporters can donate directly. Our visit from the Al Hamham School also generated some media interest, read the full story: http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/uae-students-first-hand-experience-withan-animal-shelter th

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Staff – Dr Harvey Cruz

Dr Harvey graduated from De La Salle University – Araneta in the Philippines. After 2 years of large animal practice in Al Ain, he joined a small animal clinic in Abu Dhabi where he gained valuable experience working in a busy practice with a diverse range of animals. He moved to RAK AWC in August 2013 to take charge of the Stray Animal Program including providing all animals with the required clinical care. In the future he hopes to return to his native Philippines and lecture in the Veterinary Science College.

Ras Al Khaimah Animal Welfare Centre Call us: 050 487 3922 or visit our website: www.rakawc.com Find us on Facebook

April – June 2014

OUR GRATEFUL THANKS A huge heartfelt “Thank you” to the companies that have supported us by purchasing our Corporate Sponsorship Package:  Cove Rotana Beach Resort and Hotel – Silver Package for donation over AED 20,000  Double Tree, Marjan Island – Bronze Package for donation over AED 5,000  Banyan Tree Beach Resort and Al Wadi – Bronze Package for donation over AED 5,000 Thank you to Scott Wolf @ Grace Century, Sangeetha Sagar and Justin Roberts for their generosity by purchasing our Kennel Sponsorship Package. To Zaher @ Tucano Coffee, Al Hamra Marina; Golds Gym, Mina Al Arab; Rob Blakeman Bodyzone, Al Hamra Village, Simon Payne @ Tower Links Golf Club for donating prizes for our fundraising event on April 23 . rd

Special thanks to Mohab Ghali, Country Manager, Hilton Group; Erwin van der Veen, Al Hamra Fort and Beach Resort; Ramy Latif, Double Tree, Bin Daher Street and Hilton City Hotel; Remco Werkhoven, Double Tree, Marjan Island for participating in our Stray Cat Control Program and placing Cat Cafes in the gardens of their hotels. Thank you to our volunteers - Anna Sadeghpour, our communication consultant, Jeanne Lubbe our graphic designer; Tracey Arseneault and Bev Guy who are driving our educational program. An extra special thank you to Sarah Madin and Lynsey Cross who have been volunteering at the shelter since it began. A sincere thank you to all our volunteers who help in many different ways. Without you we would struggle to do our work. Finally, a special thank you to H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi and the government of Ras Al Khaimah for supporting us not only financially but also in many other ways.

Ras Al Khaimah Animal Welfare Centre Call us: 050 487 3922 or visit our website: www.rakawc.com Find us on Facebook