Posted by Abigail on 27/05/09, filed under News | Leave a comment
Charlie the Drake had a very nasty shock while paddling round his pond at the Weald and Downland Open Air Museum recently, when he suffered a serious gunshot wound to his wing.
Distraught staff at the Museum found Charlie the next morning in a poor condition and rushed him here to Grove Lodge where it was decided to amputate his wing. This was only possible as Charlie is not a wild duck. A duck in the wild would not be able to survive with only one wing.
Billy Elliot from Worthing and District Animal Rescue Service returned a very happy Charlie to his home where he seems to be enjoying celebrity status!
Check out the whole story in The Daily Mail.
Posted by Abigail on 20/05/09, filed under News, Pet Care Advice | Leave a comment
Rabbits are intelligent, friendly and inquisitive and make lovely pets. If you are unable to have a dog or cat, it is worth considering the many unwanted bunnies in rescue centres in the area. Take a look at Lumpy Lodge or Worthing and District Animal Rescue Service’s websites for some beautiful bunnies who are currently looking for loving new homes, including Mickey, pictured right – how cute is he?!
Before you commit to keeping a rabbit, there are a number of things you need to consider.
Rabbits need lots of space – BIG IS BEST!! The hutch must be big enough for bunny to stretch up fully on its back legs (including ears!) and long enough to have 3 hops. Hutches must be raised from the ground and protected from extreme weather, ideally in a shed or out house.
It is increasingly popular to keep rabbits as house pets and they are relatively easy to litter train. This can be achieved by putting soiled bedding in the area you wish the bunny to toilet. Keep food and water in a different area.
Make sure your rabbit cannot chew household wires or plants for fear of electrocution or poisoning.
Exercise is essential for your rabbit’s mental and physical stimulation. If using a run, ensure the rabbit cannot burrow out of it and it is covered to prevent bunny jumping out and predators getting in. A sunken pipe, bucket or box create good hidey-holes.
To provide mental stimulation, rabbits can also enjoy cat or dog feeding balls stuffed with food and rolled around to dispense food. Your bunny will also enjoy shredding cardboard tubes, boxes or old phone directories! Tunnels and boxes are great to explore, especially with food hidden inside. Food can be hung or hidden under plant pots to add interest. The key to keeping your rabbit happy and contented is giving them lots of fun things to do and a comfortable environment in which to live.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Grove Lodge.
Posted by Abigail on 15/05/09, filed under News | Leave a comment
If you got The Argus this week, you may have seen one of our vets, Kathy Senior, talking to a reporter about her cat. Sadly, this was not a happy story.
Kathy’s cat, Shadow, was shot in the face on Friday 8 May 2009 and is extremely lucky to be alive. If it hadn’t been for Kathy’s quick thinking and subsequent surgical expertise here at Grove Lodge, Shadow’s future may have been less certain.
Someone shot Shadow with an air rifle and, had the pellet entered Shadow’s face at a slightly different angle, he would have been killed.
Someone who attacks an innocent animal in such a cold blooded fashion is a danger to society. With this in mind, WADARS have offered a £500 reward for any information leading to a successful conviction. Please call the Police on 0845 60 70 999 and quote reference number 749100509 if you have any information about this cruel attack.
