Page 34 - link magazine

34 swindonlink.com • June 2009
Haven continues to find new homes for credit crunched pets
Visitors to Swindon's animal haven provide a good measure of economic ups and downs; so far the bad is
being balanced by the good says John Warwick, founder of Swindon & District Animal Haven.
Taking an animal to SDAH is On the other hand, changing The economic downturn has
often the last resort for people suf- work patterns and falling mortgage meant more volunteers helping
fering financial hardship. Earlier rates mean that this is a good time the haven, including a painter and
this year, John, who set up the for some to take on a pet. "People decorator who is painting some
haven 12 years ago, was seeing up are coming in because they are new buildings while he has time
to nine cases a month where pets working fewer hours or changing on his hands. "The volunteers get
needed to be re-homed after their jobs and moving out of the city. something out of it and so do the
owners' homes were repossessed. We get people visiting us who animals," said John. "It'sawin-win
Thankfully, the numbers have can now afford a pet because their situation."
fallen since new measures were mortgage has gone down whilst For directions and opening times
drawn up by government to avoid others are struggling to meet corn- at the animal haven:
repossessions. mitments." www.sdah.co.uk

Guide Dogs Summer Party Best foot forward for cats
Swindon Guide Dogs are holding a Garden Party on 20 June, 12noon Swindon cat lover Lisa Webster
to 4pm at the Foresters Arms at Common Platt. will be doing her bit for felines
Entry is free so that everybody can meet some of Swindon's Guide in need when she takes part in the
Dogs and take part in fundraising activities including tombola, stalls Walkley Midnight Walk on 13 June
and crafts. There will also be a children's play area. to raise money for the Swindon
branch of Cats Protection.
Lisa said "I recently adopted
No pedigree required for Lydiard scruffs show my two cats Lucky and Tinkerbell
from them and they are wonderful.
A dog show with the emphasis on fun promises categories to suit almost Cats Protection do fantastic work
all types of family pooch - including most handsome dog, prettiest rescuing animals that can't speak
bitch, the waggiest tail and the best rescue dog. for themselves.
The show takes place at Lydiard there will be stalls to browse and " I hope some of the money I raise
Park on Sunday 5 July and all dogs refreshments available. can help them as much they have
over six months can enter. Dog Registration forms for the dog helped me."
classes will run throughout the show can be downloaded from To sponsor Lisa call the Swin-
morning and afternoon and there www.rspcanortliwilts.org.uk or don branch of Cats Protection on
is a charge of £2.50 per class. Away picked up in charity shops in 644536.
from the friendly competition, Swindon and Chippenham. www.swindon.cats.org.uk

Is Your Pet behind

with its Vaccinations?

0 ^^'+ Thousands of pets die each year
^° s fromreventable diseases
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t
June 2009 Don't let it happen to your pet

Thameswood Veterinary Clinics are supporting National Vaccination Month during June

We understand that while trying to juggle work and family commitments, But don't just stop there ... June is also National Microchip month
your pet's annual vaccination can lapse in the midst of the chaos. So take advantage of our Discounted identichips this month and
microchip your pet for just £12 (normal price £26.49).
Immunity from vaccine does not last forever hence the need for a top up
'Booster' vaccination. With Vaccination month, we can help put your pet's Remember, Cats are more likely to go wandering unaccompanied than your
vaccinations back on track protecting him from contracting one of several dog thus making permanent identification important to help us re-unite
potential contagious diseases; without putting too much strain on your your and your pet.
purse strings.
Identichips won't get lost or fade ... like a collar or tattoo.
In June you can have a complete two to three week vaccination
So. Take advantage of our two great
course for the price of a single booster for all cats and dogs
offers this month.
over six months of age who have lapsed or never been
vaccinated. For more information or to book
your appointment, please call our
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Lovely Client Care Team on 526780.
I ^
P ^ IcRACT CE Thameswood Veterinary Clinic