The highly anticipated Sasol Secunda Marathon is fast approaching, and you can still be part of the action. The race is an official qualifier for the Comrades and Two Oceans marathons.
Pre-enter by visiting: www.entryninja.com
Pre-entries close on Monday, 10 February 2025
On Friday, 24 January 2025, Sasol hosted the 30th Grade 12 Merit Awards where bursaries and cash incentives were awarded to the class of 2024 top achievers. This annual event continues to reward outstanding achievers who obtain distinctions in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and other non-STEM subjects.
This year, two bursaries were awarded on the day. Over and above that, 73 top achievers received an individual cash incentive which goes towards their university registration fees.
A total of 313 learners in the Standerton Sub-District, eManzana and Ehlanzeni fenceline schools received a cash award per distinction for achieving a minimum of 3 distinctions in identified subject.
To honour the role played by educators in ensuring excellent results, six best-performing subject teachers and nine best-performing schools were also recognised.
Recognising and celebrating excellent performance in education is part of Sasol’s ongoing efforts showcasing its firm belief that education is a fundamental input to transforming society.
The Sasol Grade 12 Merit Awards are a collaboration between Sasol, the Department of Basic Education, and this year’s supporting sponsors such as: MegChem, Osizweni Science Centre, Proconics, ROMPCO, eMbalenhle Girls, PDPS, Pinky Phosa Foundation, Digby Wells Environmental Consulting, Paradigm Shift Holdings, Thasasa (Pty) Ltd, Phakama Advertising, Minhel and Hydra Arc.
Sasol’s inclusive education initiatives are driven by a need to see meaningful change in society and contribute to our youth enabling them to have a socio-economically sustainable future.
The awards are just another way that Sasol demonstrates its commitment to actively driving education initiatives in South Africa.
Every day, many lost dogs, or cat post goes up, even birds. Another frantic social media post circulates. Another animal ends up on the streets, vulnerable to traffic, predators, or worse. They may also become a nuisance to others, especially cats. Why? Because someone, somewhere, didn’t take the responsibility of pet ownership seriously enough to keep their animal safe. It is silly that I have to but I will add yes, there are some exceptions when animals get out, but the amount of animals out and about doesn’t share that story, it showcases a story of irresponsible owners. I am not even going down the avenue of the irresponsibility surrounding puppies/kittens or power breeds in the streets.
We understand that accidents happen and some animals are really escape artists, but one of the few reasons why animals get out is because IT IS EASY! You get climbers, runners, jumpers, diggers, chewers, some learn to open gates or some pets use a combination of the above. We have seen fox terriers climb trees to get out. Below we will share a solution for each!
But first, let me be clear on the following: Some people claim that they “have done everything” to keep the animal in…… IF YOUR ANIMAL IS IN THE STREET THEN YOU HAVE NOT DONE ALL YOU CAN TO KEEP THEM INSIDE. If you have, then they will not be in the streets. How do other people do it?
If your pet keeps escaping your yard, it’s not because they’re a mastermind worthy of a Hollywood heist movie. It’s because you’ve failed to put in the effort to make your yard secure enough. Sure, pets are curious and resourceful, but nine times out of ten, their escapes highlight owner shortcomings, not their genius (although I think many pets might be smarter than their owner).
And if you’re the type who’s shrugged off a neighbour’s complaint or ignored the dangers of a busy road nearby, ask yourself: Do you truly care about your pet’s wellbeing? Would you let a toddler wander onto the highway because they figured out how to open the gate? Or they know their way home. No, you wouldn’t. So why is it acceptable to leave your animal’s safety to chance?
As someone who is part of the lost and found animal team in our community, I am sick and tired, and this year will not be a year of asking nicely! During our whole “holiday” time and most weekends, our team members, and all the other organizations everywhere are running behind and worrying about someone else’s animals. This is 100% preventable and will lighten the load on animal welfare.
That is on top of the lousy excuses for giving up animals during this time of year (well any time). Mentally and physically, we start the year exhausted because someone else was irresponsible.
Thank you to those who pick up lost animals and keep them safe instead of dumping them on the already overwhelmed system, or expecting that someone else should do something. Thank you to those who already joined the foster network.
If you want to help even more, please JOIN THE FOSTER NETWORK HERE.
A MATTER OF RESPONSIBILITY
Pets are not wild animals; they rely on us to provide them with safe, controlled environments. A secure yard, a sturdy harness and leash, and a little common sense go a long way in preventing tragedy. If you’re too lazy or indifferent to do the bare minimum, then perhaps you should reconsider whether you’re fit to have animals at all.
ANIMALS DESERVE BETTER
At the end of the day, your pet’s safety is your responsibility. They didn’t choose you; you forced them to live in your world. So, stop making excuses and start making changes. Because the next time your pet gets out, they might not make it back. That is on you!
And how on earth do you not have a photo of your pet?
It’s time to do better. It’s not that hard. Read more here on whose animals deserve better.
Now, let’s look at some solutions so your pet doesn’t outsmart you.
Secure your yard, but also take these PRECAUTIONS:
Petology provides guidelines to equip you with plausible methods to secure your yard and The Paw Company on how to keep your cats in. This can be possible with little investment and effort.
Remember to never punish your pets when they come back. This will not take away the desire to escape but will make them afraid of returning home. Always find out why your pets try to get out and address the root cause. If it is a behavioural issue, contact a qualified behaviourist. Remember there is a difference between a trainer and a behaviourist.
If your pet does get out, follow our lost and found guide and make sure you post on your local groups (Verlore Diere Secunda (TEKS) Facebook group.) for our area.
IT IS NEVER ACCEPTABLE FOR YOUR PETS TO ROAM THE STREETS. Where there is a will there is a way! Don’t let your pets outsmart you!
Many people come across young, injured, or grounded bats and wonder what to do with them. We have had at least three cases in the last week. Care and caution should be exercised and such cases should be referred to the nearest bat interest group, rehabilitation center, or the SPCA.
Urban development causes fewer suitable roost sites for bats, such as caves, dead trees, and natural cavities, thus forcing bats to seek alternative roosting sites making roofs and ceilings the next optimal site for many bat species. They are quiet animals, so you won’t even know they are there.
A bat found indoors is most likely to be a crevice-dwelling species. These bats are often lost youngsters that follow a mosquito into the house, babies that cannot fly yet, or grounded bats. We are in bat breeding season which runs from October until late February.
The young babies do not have fur yet and have a “rubber” appearance. They are called pinkies. During the first few weeks, the pups can’t fly yet and still drink from their mom.
We do not recommend placing bat pups back into roosts (controversy):
Mom is what is best for them, so reuniting them, with the guidance of a rehabilitator, is ideal! Do this as close as possible to where you found them.
Some use ladders with the open container (secured to the ladder) on top, with a cloth and warm water bottle in the bottom, and then the pup under another cloth, without the lid. Mom needs to be able to land on a firm surface that is rough enough like a towel thrown over a wall, balcony railing, or ladder.
Try this for one or two consecutive nights for an hour or two at dusk, depending on the weather. If it didn’t happen the first night, chances are low for the second night. The pup needs to be warm or they won’t call for their mom.
Please watch the pup collection site, so that predators (like cats or owls) don’t come and collect the pup.
Adult bats should also be handled with care (no bare hands) and kept warm. If the bat has landed somewhere and is in good health, it may be captured and released outside after sunset as close as possible to where they were found. Approach your visitor very slowly and quietly. Gently place a can or box over the bat, slide cardboard underneath, and release your visitor outside at dusk, placing it on a high surface where it will be able to take off.
If bitten by your cat or dog there is a danger of infection and death, even if they flew off. You can add a bell to your cat’s collar or keep them inside around sunset hours to prevent this. Call a rehabilitator or wildlife vet to treat the injured bat.
Bats can’t take off from the ground, they need to “drop” from a height (at least 1.5m). As they’re falling, they get the wind under their wings to fly.
DON’T FEED THEM without a rehabilitator’s guidance.
It is our natural instinct to want to feed them and with good intent, however, in general, we don’t advise giving food or water until you speak to a rehabilitator.
Although small, bats have a large body surface due to their wingspan and can easily dehydrate. When they are dehydrated, they can’t digest food properly. They have tiny mouths and can easily choke or aspirate, especially when in shock. If you are inexperienced with liquid therapy and feeding, you can potentially kill them. Stress also remains a big killer of wildlife when handled.
Depending on the size, the rehabilitator will guide you on what kind of food. This can range from kitty milk(for tiny pups) with a syringe, mealworms, bananas, etc. If you have to give water to a bat that can drink themselves already, a shallow jam jar lid can work.
DON’T KILL THE BATS BECAUSE YOU ARE UNINFORMED! It is important to note that according to The National Institute For Communicable Diseases there are no rabies viruses reported in bats in South Africa. There are, however, “rabies-like” viruses reported rarely in some species of bats and have related to two human rabies cases in South Africa in the past 40 years.
Also, read more on what to do if you find other wildlife.
Call these bat-specific rehabilitators:
Judy from SAWRC 073 112 1131 / Vicky 073 174 9775
Sharron from BatMadGP 082 553 5258
Please help us change the way people see bats and try to live with them as they are sentient beings and important to the ecosystem.
Join us next week to explore and learn more about the amazing animals that share our world!
Young, vibrant and confident may be used to describe Rachel Pearson.
This grade 11 student is an inspiration to everyone she meets.
Rachel entered the Miss + Miss Teen Glam South Africa and became a finalist.
The competition celebrates the beauty and strength of pageantry. They believe pageantry provides positive growth and helps shape lives. Pageantry is not a one-time event or competition, rather, it is a journey of empowerment, growth, trial and joy which yields lifelong connections and opportunities.
She is incredibly talented and has a special place for music singing in the school choir at Laerskool Goedehoop and playing Saxophone in Hoorskool Oosterland’s band. She became the South African School Band Association (SASBA) Sax Player in 2022.
Rachel also enjoys dancing and dances at CF Els Dancing school where she achieved Mpumalanga colours and 1st SA for Latin and NRG
She is very passionate about
• self-Love and confidence
• Inspiring others
• Family
• Dancing
• Hockey
• Fitness and Health
• Walk for Freedom Activist
• Academics
• Balanced Lifestyle
• Being a role model
• Medicine
She hopes to be able to study medicine and has a special interest in prosthetics.
Rachel needs your support though, in becoming Miss Teen Glam South Africa.
Your votes are needed.
The votes are R5 each and can be done by depositing into the competition’s bank account.
Vote By Depositing To
Bank: Standard Bank
Account: 1015 101 3223
(R20 = 5 Votes, R100 = 25 Votes, R200 = 50 Votes, R300 = 75 Votes)
Reference: Finalist Name + Surname
Proof of Payment to 078 393 9740
Let us stand together and help her achieve this goal.
DA questions the sub-standard steel bridge that was delivered to the community of Lebohang
The DA in Govan Mbeki is taken aback at the sub-standard bridge that the municipality delivered to the residents of Lebohang in Ward 6.
Earlier today, the municipality announced that they had built a new footbridge for the residents of this area. According to the municipality, this bridge is supposed to help schoolchildren and other pedestrians cross a river in this community.
With the recent downpours, the residents of Lebohang have been unable to move around as the river has filled. Therefore, a stable bridge that would alleviate these challenges is crucial.
“It is concerning to note that the steel bridge that was built for this community is not up to standard. We note with concern that there is no foundation to support this bridge, and the bridge is unhinged on both ends,” said Nathiswa Ndwanyaza – DA Councilor Govan Mbeki Local Municipality, “On the river’s banks, there is heavy soil erosion which will likely lead to a collapse of the bridge during times of heavy rain. Overall, this is a huge safety risk for the community of Lebohang.”
“The workmanship on this project is of poor quality. It is quite evident that the municipality did not receive value for the money on this project. This shows that the municipality, particularly the ANC-led administration is negligent.”
“We have submitted questions to the Municipal Manager, Elliot Maseko, asking him to detail the risk assessment undertaken when this bridge was erected and the money spent on this project,” said Ndwanyaza, “The DA will continue fighting the ANC’s maladministration, Govan Mbeki is financially unstable because of such projects. We will ensure that the municipality takes accountability and delivers a well-decent bridge to the community of Lebohang.”
The Municipality meanwhile, responded to the negative criticism it received on its initial post claiming that “Residents of Lebohang, Ward 6, under Cllr Oupa Sibanyoni, praised the Govan Mbeki Municipality for building a new footbridge.”
But first some comments from the original posting on GMM’s Facebook page:
The Govan Mbeki Municipality is taking note of all the comments from the public regarding the material used in the construction of the footbridge.
The municipality hereby informs the public that the structure of the bridge is not permanent and is currently sourcing materials to construct a permanent strong and elevated bridge.
The crossing was a temporary measure for children to cross as the pipes that were installed were flooded and taken away by water.
The municipality is going to install 1050 mm pipes as soon as the water subsides to the level where it is easy to work.
The work is expected to start as early as Monday, pending the amount of rain we can get during the weekend.
The municipality values all the inputs, comments, and suggestions made and is committed to making things better for the community it serves.
“The response by GMM appears to be an attempt to contain the bad publicity that the bridge received. Although the bridge is needed no real thought was put into it and it is a dangerous hazard if the rains continue as it did the past few days.” said Ndwanyaza
A new year brings new goals and more than 300 days of opportunity for you and your pet to bond, develop healthier habits, and discover new ways to live a full life. Your pet can live a better tomorrow with your help. An important first step is to avoid becoming overwhelmed thinking you need to make big changes overnight. Baby steps in the right direction are the way to go. The important thing is to create a plan and move steadily forward.
This week we look at the final part in this three-part series on how to have healthier and happier pets in 2025! Also, read PART 1 & PART 2 of these pawsome New Year’s resolutions.
CREATE A SAFE ENVIRONMENT & A SPACE THAT IS ONLY THEIRS
CREATE A PET-FRIENDLY GARDEN
Since our pets spend the most time at home or in the garden, we should do our best to build them safe, entertaining places to rest and play. Make sure all potentially harmful plants or substances are out of reach. Create some nice hiding places and vertical territory for your pets to enjoy and explore. Learn more about zoo pharmacognosy, which allows your pet to self-select remedies that best soothe them, especially during periods of anxiety.
Read more on pets and your garden and consider a sensory garden.
OPEN A SAVINGS ACCOUNT FOR PET EMERGENCIES OR GET PET INSURANCE
Be better prepared for the unexpected. This is a healthy habit and can save you a lot of worries later. Pet owners can now choose from a variety of pet insurance plans that meet their needs and fit every budget. Read more on the pros and cons of pet insurance.
WRITE A BUCKET LIST FOR SENIOR PETS
What do you think your senior pet wants to do before crossing the Rainbow Bridge? You can make the last phase of your pet’s life memorable by compiling and completing a list of activities that will have their tail wagging and your heart soaring. Prepare in advance to navigate the Rainbow Bridge journey and make the tough but kind decision to euthanize your pet.
Editorial note – This article is a reprint from 17 January 2024.
DO SOME COMMUNITY/PHILANTHROPY WORK FOR ANIMALS IN NEED
BALANCE YOUR MOOD (ENERGY)
Animals can pick up on our energies. We see how sensitive animals are to our emotional state. They get excited when we are or try to comfort you if you are down by climbing on your lap. If you’re continuously agitated or angry when you come home, this could negatively affect your pet’s emotional state. Maybe a good New Year’s resolution idea this year is to learn how to have balanced energy before coming home to see your furry family. Even though a walk might do you good, maybe not attempt it on a day that you are angry or frustrated or not in the mood because you might ruin the experience for your pet.
Keep in mind that barking, humping, and digging for example are natural behaviours, but don’t allow your pet to do things if it frustrates you as this will not be good for either of you. There are alternative and healthy ways to deal with such natural behaviours.
FIND A GOOD PET SITTER
Identify what type of pet sitter service you need. Start your search as soon as possible, ask for referrals, and interview potential sitters. For us, a big factor (apart from being trustworthy) is someone who has training in pet first aid (behaviour and grooming are a bonus) and who has professional documentation (forms and terms & conditions). List your pet sitter at your vet. Read more on this topic.
ADOPT DON’T SHOP
If you are planning to get a new pet, please do your homework in advance about the specie and their needs. It is important that the animal and breed you choose fit with your family’s energy levels and lifestyle. Please do not support breeders who fuel this massive overpopulation crisis, so opt to adopt from reputable organizations that include home checks, a contract, and sterilization.
Read everything you need to know about adoption.
LIVE KINDER
Only visit True Sanctuaries and say no to those that offer animal rides, interaction, walking with, petting, or taking photos with the animals.
Choose to wear it kind by buying and wearing clothing ethically. Avoid leather, fur, and wool, and try sustainable, animal-friendly alternatives because their lives matter! Don’t buy products that are tested on animals. You can find the approved beauty brands in the Humane Guide.
EDUCATE & ADVOCATE
This is one we really want you to help us with! Try and share an educational post about animals regularly to help others learn more about animal care and welfare. Advocate for the voiceless and the unheard, especially about topics like breeding, selling, petting farms, the circus, and fireworks.
FINALLY, CREATE A PLAN
Almost done. You have your pet and you have decided to make some pet-positive changes in the new year. You even have some great ideas now for pawsome resolutions. To execute these resolutions though, there needs to be detailed goals and an easy plan to follow every day. It is important to create a plan that you can stick to. Consider asking a friend to check in with you and make sure you are keeping to those resolutions. Maybe start a calendar and write down the days and the goals. The most important part…..get excited!
Do you have a New Year’s resolution for your pet? Are you sticking to them?
Join us again next week as we explore the world of our pets and how to make it better!
Siyaziqhenya ngani | We are proud of you!
To the Class of 2024, well done, your hard work has finally paid off. We are proud of your achievements.
To those learners who have not succeeded in their examinations and do not qualify for supplementary examination, we encourage you to re-enrol at a school without delay.
At Sasol, we believe that education is fundamental in transforming our society. Our interventions in education are driven by a need to see meaningful change in society, and prepare our youth for a future which will enable them to be socio-economically sustainable.
Sasol also offers programmes aimed at improving the teaching and learning of science, mathematics and technology through Osizweni Science Centre. Bursaries and programmes such as #BridgetoWork are also available to those who qualify. Be on the lookout for these education and skills development programmes on local media platforms and our Sasol website.
@Sasol is a caring sponsor of the annual Grade 12 Merit Awards and urges you to visit the Sasol website: www.sasol.com to search for available opportunities.
#SasolinSociety #WeareSasol
Jy dink jy ken iemand. Na baie ure se saamwees, lag en praat, soms ernstig, soms ligsinnig, meen jy dat daar nie wegsteekplekke in daardie persoon se lewe is nie.
En dan, onverwags, tree hy totaal vreemd op. Daar kom skielik ‘n faset na vore wat jy nie geken het nie. Dit is ‘n redelik algemene verskynsel. Bedryfsielkundiges het selfs al rekenaarprogramme, byvoorbeeld die “Thomas International System”, ontwikkel om gedragspatrone te probeer voorspel wat aanduidings gee hoe ‘n persoon se optrede onder druk kan verander.
Dit gebeur op alle vlakke van ons bestaan, selfs in jou intieme kring, soos jou huwelik, en jou werksomgewing, dat jy dikwels verras word deur mense wat skielik anders optree as wat jy gedink het hulle sal. Daar is vele oorsake hiervoor, maar een van die mees algemene in ons land, in hierdie fase van ons bestaan, is PTSS, of die sogenaamde Post Traumatiese Stres Sindroom.
Ek het die eerste keer daarmee te doen gehad toe ‘n rustige, gelykmatige soldaat op ‘n aand skielik net beserk geraak het. Sy vrou het my gebel, en toe ek die paadjie opstap huis toe, het hy op die stoep gestaan met sy 9mm-pistool op my gerig. “Vanaand skiet ek jou vrek!” So het ek hom nooit geken nie, nie eens vermoed dat dit kan gebeur nie. En toe, met beradingsgesprekke, het baie goed uitgeborrel. Vele kontakte met die vyand in die oorlog waaroor nooit gepraat is nie, het sy gemoed diep gewond. Maar dis net weggebêre. Nooit hanteer of bespreek nie.
Ek het besef: mens se psige, jou onderbewussyn, is soos ‘n ballon onder die water. Net die puntjie steek bo die water uit. Elke ervaring wat jy het, laat daardie ballon swel. Jou onderbewuste gaar dit op, vergeet dit nooit nie, al kan jy dit nie meer onthou met jou normale geheue nie. En dan, op ‘n dag, is daar net iets kleins nodig om ‘n groot uitbarsting te veroorsaak. Dan raak ‘n persoon buite homself. Al was daardie slegte ervarings vir baie jare goed weggebêre.
Daar is baie middeljarige mans wat dieselfde belewenisse deel oor hulle militêre diensplig. Hulle vrouens en kinders verstaan meestal nie hulle diepste herrinerings en ervaringe van daardie enersyds kontroversiële, maar andersyds ontstellend werklike deel van hulle lewe nie. Vrouens verstaan dikwels nie hulle mans se nagmerries, of stiltes, of woedeuitbarstings nie, of waarom klappers wat teen nuwejaar raas, hulle man so laat skrik, of laat versteen van vrees, of natgesweet laat nie.
Ook nie waarom baie mans of sekere onderwerpe vermy, of heftig reageer as daaroor gepraat word nie. Ook nie as soveel sterk manne, wat grootgemaak is dat “cowboys don’t cry”, hulle séér probeer verdoof deur byvoorbeeld die voorbok op ‘n partytjie te wees nie.
Coenie de Villiers sing in sy lied Bossies “ja meneer / ek ken die hel / ek is daarheen gestuur / teen ‘n lys afgetel.” Maar daar is veel meer vlakke waar PTSS voorkom. Ek lees op Facebook van verslaggewers wat nou onlangs ‘n grusame ongelukstoneel besoek het, minute nadat dit plaasgevind het. Bloed, lyke, wrakke, geweld, beserings los indrukke op enige mens, al is dit daaglikse gebeure in die normale uitvoering van jou pligte.
Ek het Sondag met ‘n gewese polisieman gesels, wat presies, met ‘n passievolle, kriptiese kreet om hulp, hieroor gepraat het. So ook, noodpersoneel, beraders, selfs regslui, dokters en predikante. Daar was onlangs ‘n onderhoud met die staatsaanklaer wat ‘n baie prominente moordenaar hier in die Kaap skuldig laat bevind het aan moord op sy ouers en broer. Een opmerking van haar tref my: “Ek huil lankal nie meer nie,” sê sy.
Post-traumatiese stres kom op baie ander vlakke voor. Hoeveel mense is nie al beroof of gekaap, met of sonder geweld nie? Hoeveel mense het nie al in hulle huise ingestap en gesien dat die televisie en elektriese ware weg is, of die motor gesteel is nie? Ek vermoed dat jy deesdae aan PTSS kan ly selfs deur net na Facebook of die aandnuus te kyk, selfs die Huisgenoot en koerante te lees.
Moord, doodslag, verkragtings, molestering, dieremishandeling, rassisme, onverantwoordelike politieke uitsprake oor byvoorbeeld grondonteiening láát sy spore op mense. Daarmee saam gebeur dinge met jou wat jy nooit besef ook jou gemoed diep kan wond nie: dood van ‘n geliefde, jou kinders wat uit die huis gaan of emigreer, die verlies van jou gesondheid, aflegging by die werk, bankrotskap, egskeiding.
“Sometimes happiness is a feeling, sometimes it’s a decision.”
Ons praat dikwels nie oor hoe ons hierdie goed beleef nie. Dit is gevaarlik. Want as jy ‘n minder ernstige trauma beleef, kan dit die massiewe onderdrukte ballon onder die oppervlakte van jou lewe laat oopbars. Terugflitse van ernstige trauma in jou lewe kan loskom in eenvoudige gebeure, soos byvoorbeeld as jy jou kar se sleutels binne in die kar toesluit. Hierdie belewenisse kan so erg wees, dat jy fisiese simptome kry: spiere wat verstyf. oormatige angs en sweet, nagmerries, slaaploosheid, woedeuitbarstings. Mense wat jou goed ken, kan dink dat jou persoonlikheid verander het.
Om die drake van jou lewe te konfronteer, is baie beter as om hulle te vermy. Kyk hulle in die oë, identifiseer hulle, en moenie toelaat dat hulle jou afskerm van ‘n sinvolle, vreugdevolle lewe nie. Kan jy nog geniet? Wanneer laas het jy hardop, uit jou maag uit gelag? So dat die trane loop? Mens kan dit alleen regkry as jy die slegte ervarings van jou lewe elimineer. Vra iemand wat jy vertrou om jou daarmee te help. “Sometimes happiness is a feeling, sometimes it’s a decision.”
A new year brings new goals and more than 300 days of opportunity for you and your pet to bond, develop healthier habits, and discover new ways to live a full life. Your pet can live a better tomorrow with your help. An important first step is to avoid becoming overwhelmed thinking you need to make big changes overnight. Baby steps in the right direction are the way to go. The important thing is to make a plan and move steadily forward.
Last week we looked at PART 1 of the three-part series on pawsome New Year’s resolutions for the animals you choose to share your life with.
Editorial note – This article is a reprint from 10 January 2024.
TRY A NEW ACTIVITY, LOOK AT THINGS FROM A NEW ANGLE OR GO ON AN ADVENTURE
You see so much more of the world compared to the animals in your care. To them, you, your family, and your home are their world. Let them see more! Do you have an adventurous dog breed? Or a curious cat? Try a new activity with them. Find something you both love doing. Many restaurants are now offering dog-friendly seating areas and during the off-season, more beaches are open to dogs.
INCORPORATE MORE PLAY AND FUN TIME
Besides being fun, playing has a vital role in their development. It promotes confidence. If they are confident, they tend to be less anxious or fearful. You should also play breed-specific games including scent & track, eye & stalk, chase, grab-bite, kill-bite, possess, dissect, and consume. Resolve to get at least one new toy and play with your pet, even just 5 minutes a day. For cats, you can also buy a new scratching post or build a new cat tress. Most dogs love car rides.
SCHEDULE A WELLNESS CHECK-UP WITH YOUR VET AND IMPROVE YOUR PET’S HEALTH
SEEK MORE NATURAL WAYS TO SUPPORT YOUR PET’S HEALTH
‘Integrated’ health care for domestic animals can combine the best of conventional Veterinary medicine, alongside diet and nutrition, supplements, herbal and homeopathic formulas, physiotherapy acupressure, and acupuncture. All of which can improve our pet’s quality of life.
Schedule an appointment with a natural health care practitioner to see how a more natural approach to your pet’s health care could benefit them this year…… and every year in the future.
ADD YOUR PETS TO YOUR WILL
What is the immediate and long-term plan for your pets if you die today? Are they included in your will? Will they be taken care of? It is important to list specific instructions in your will! Is there someone in your town who will be responsible for taking care of your pets in case of an emergency? You can also LEAVE A LEGACY, by donating part of your estate to an animal shelter.
MICROCHIP AND REGISTER (OR UPDATE) YOUR PET’S MICROCHIP & ID COLLAR INFO
If your pet doesn’t have a microchip, get one now! There are affordable options and it drastically improves the chances of reuniting your pet with you if they get lost. You have to register your details on a database (preferably more than one) so it can be linked to the microchip number. Otherwise, the microchip means nothing. Make sure your details are up-to-date if you moved or changed numbers. Have a recent photo ready in case they get lost. Read everything you need to know about microchips here.
CLEAR OUT OLD TOYS & GET CREATIVE BY MAKING SOME NEW ONES
Take a fresh look at their toy collection and stop holding on to old, tatty, and often germ-infested pet toys. Now’s the perfect time to do a good clean and clear and to give your pet something fun and new to play with. Choose safe toys made of natural materials and clean them regularly. Read more on pet toys.
Other things to toss as shared by Bark & Whiskers:
SCHEDULE SOME DAILY DIY GROOMING TIME
Grooming is important to keep the coat shiny and healthy. Like playtime, grooming is something that most pets look forward to and it’s a bonding activity. Grooming your pet is also a great way to notice if something is off. Make sure their coat/skin is in good condition, nails are trimmed, eyes and ears are clean, as well as maintain good dental hygiene.
Your pets didn’t have a choice when they came to stay with you and since you chose to have them, it is your responsibility to meet their every need! Next week we will continue with the final part of this three-part series on the pet New Year’s resolutions. Do better for your pets in 2025!
May life treat you the way you treat animals! Do you have any New Year’s resolutions for your pet?