Pet Alliance Network

REX is proud to annouce we are now member of the new network PAN 2012 which combines animal transport industry information with local services and flight automation for airlines. We are participatingg the the growth of the new network by providing training and animal care courses to all new affiliates, whether airline or freight handler. With this state of the art system passengers will be able to asses the risks of the animal flying and then provide the correct procedures and guidance to passengers whether their pet is travelling in cabin, as excess baggage or as cargo (pets travelling alone) to any location with any airline.

PAN Members will be able to access the requirements for local quarantine laws and documents required by Customs. This system has been years in the making and is now finally made available to all animal industry professionals. PAN works exactly like airline networks such a Star Alliance/SkyTeam/Oneworld, providing a unified network for the industry.

Benefits will include;
- P.T.R.A (Risk Assesment for all clients)

- AVI Travel Information according to risk and safety for your pets/animals  
- Pet Document Management- Airline Reservation in Cabin/Excess Baggage

- Animal travelling alone as Cargo on our E-Cargo AWB
- Database of Local Service providers (vets, taxis, relocation agents, freight agents, travel agents etc)
- Document control for all countries
- Free pet experiences for affiliates
- and much more

The true and single united pet network - be part of it now

www.petalliancenetwork.com
www.pansassistance.com

How to Recognize Cruelty

Signs That an Animal Might Be Abused
Recognizing cruelty is simple, right? Not quite, say ASPCA experts. Aggressive, timid or fearful behavior doesn't always tell the whole story. Animals may appear to be timid or frightened for many reasons other than abuse.

“It’s almost impossible to make conclusions based on a pet’s behavior alone,” says the ASPCA Animal Behavior Center’s Kristen Collins, CPDT. “The best way to tell whether a pet is being or has been abused is to examine him and his surrounding environment.”

• Check out our list of signs that may alert you an animal needs help:
• Physical Signs
• Collar so tight that it has caused a neck wound or has become embedded in the pet’s neck 
• Open wounds, signs of multiple healed wounds or an ongoing injury or illness that isn’t being treated 
• Untreated skin conditions that have caused loss of hair, scaly skin, bumps or rashes 
• Extreme thinness or emaciation—bones may be visible 
• Fur infested with fleas, ticks or other parasites 
• Patches of bumpy, scaly skin rashes 
• Signs of inadequate grooming, such as extreme matting of fur, overgrown nails and dirty coat 
• Weakness, limping or the inability to stand or walk normally 
• Heavy discharge from eyes or nose 
• An owner striking or otherwise physically abusing an animal 
• Visible signs of confusion or extreme drowsiness
  
  Environmental Signs
• Pets are tied up alone outside for long periods of time without adequate food or water, or with food or water that is unsanitary 
• Pets are kept outside in inclement weather without access to adequate shelter 
• Pets are kept in an area littered with feces, garbage, broken glass or other objects that could harm them
• Animals are housed in kennels or cages (very often crowded in with other animals) that are too small to allow them to stand, turn around and make normal movements possibly with too many other animal
• “Reporting suspected animal cruelty ensures that animals in jeopardy receive prompt and often lifesaving care,” says ASPCA Special Agent Joann Sandano.

“By making a complaint to the police or humane society in your area—you can even do so anonymously—you help ensure that animals in need are rescued and that perpetrators of animal cruelty are brought to justice.”

If you see signs of animal abuse, don’t keep it to yourself. 
http://www.aspca.org/ 

RSPCA Campaign: Born to Suffer campaign

Bred for looks - born to suffer

The way that dogs are bred today, in order to win shows, is having a huge impact on their health and welfare. This is why we've launched our Born to suffer campaign which seeks an end to the breeding of dogs based on looks.

But it's not just show dogs that may be suffering. Many pedigree dogs never appear in shows, but many are bred by breeders who want to produce show-winning animals, and who sell their surplus dogs as pets.

Scientific evidence

According to scientific studies some of the UK's favourite breeds of dogs have been bred to such extremes that they can no longer breathe or walk normally. For example, dogs with short, flat faces often have narrow nostrils and abnormally developed windpipes. They can often suffer severe breathing difficulties and may have difficulty enjoying a walk or playing. Dogs with folded or wrinkled skin are prone to itchy and painful skin complaints, and dogs with bulging or sunken eyes are prone to injury, pain or discomfort.

These are only a few examples and a recent study showed that all of the 50 most popular breeds have some aspect of their body which can cause suffering.

Join the RSPCA campaign today

There is something you can do. Sign our petition which calls for breed standards* to be changed so that they prioritise the health, welfare and temperament of a dog over its looks and help put an end to the avoidable suffering of dogs.Thinking of getting a pedigree dog?

Read more about the health and welfare issues.

Virunga National Park Rangers

Virunga National Park is a 7800 square kilometer World Heritage Site that lies on the eastern border of the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is the is the second oldest national park in the world, behind only Yellowstone, and the oldest in Africa. It is the most diverse national park on the African continent that boasts savannas, lava plains, swamps, erosion valleys, forests, active volcanoes and the ice fields of the Rwenzori Mountains. Among Virunga’s numerous species of wildlife, the park is home to approximately 200 of the world’s critically endangered mountain gorillas that live on the slopes of the Virunga volcano ranger which includes active Nyiragongo volcano and the largest lava lake in the world.

Despite this, the forests, amazing animals of the park, and even the rangers are in a desperate fight for their survival. The park has suffered through wars, militia attacks, extreme poaching, and a constant struggle to stay alive through human and environmental pressures on the park, and lack of funding. Mountain gorillas, elephants, hippo, and other wildlife have been killed for food, money, and politics. The hippo population dropped from 25,000, the largest concentration in the world, to about 1200. Serious anti-poaching measures are necessary to protect the wildlife of the park.

Through all this, the dedication of the rangers and staff has cost many lives. Although conditions are improving and the park has seen a massive resurgence in the last 3 years, rangers continue to be killed in random and planned attacks, and their wives and children left behind with little support.

To donate and help in a very real way please visit:
http://gorillacd.org/guard-a-gorilla/ 

Seven Weird Cat Behaviors Explained

(PET CARE) All animals do some pretty strange things, human animals included, but cats take the prize for bizarre antics. From elevator butts to head bonks to kneading your lap, find out what your pet cat’s odd behaviour means. — Global Animal
Paw Nation, Amy D. Shojai
We love our cats but don’t always understand their seemingly bizarre behaviours. Sure, some things our cats do are unique to them but other actions are shared by felines the world over. Here are seven weird cat behaviors, and what they mean.

Head bonks. The first three months I had my cat, her head turned pink from head-bonking my lipstick. Rubbing behavior, which includes the forehead, cheeks, and full-body slams, is called bunting, and it transfers the cat’s signature smell onto objects to mark territory. That means head bonks are kitty compliments declaring you to be so important, he’s marked you as his personal property.

Elevator butt. You’ve probably seen many cats perform an “elevator butt” pose with their front-end down and tail flagged high. In some instances, it is the equivalent of offering to shake hands as felines sniff each other’s anal areas to say howdy. When your cat jumps into your lap, turns around and raises its tail, he or she is offering you the not-so-pleasant invitation to scratch that hard-to-reach itchy spot at the base of the tail. Intact female cats also do the elevator butt posture to entice male cats to get romantic!

Phone frenzy. Many cats come running when owners talk on the phone and they pester and meow like they want in on the conversation. What gives? Your cat sees you talking and since there is no one else there, thinks that you must be talking to them. Also, without realizing it, you may be rewarding that behaviour by stroking the cat while you are sitting and talking on the phone, which encourages your kitty to come running next time the phone rings.

Flipping. Why do cats throw themselves onto the ground at your feet and flip back and forth? Sure, sometimes it is because a cat is under the influence of catnip but more often, rolling back and forth places a cat in a vulnerable position, and is a way for cats to request attention. If you you grant the kitty’s wish and fuss over it, your cat knows to do this again the next time he wants your love.

Covering poo. Owners take for granted that all cats naturally choose to cover potty deposits but this isn’t the case. Some cats — especially unowned roaming felines — may not cover at all as uncovered feces can announce who owns the territory. Some indoor cats also want their potty graffiti seen and admired by the other cats or humans. Though is mom-cat is fastidious about covering her mess, her kittens will copy-cat the behaviour.

Kneading. There are many names for this common rhythmic paw-pushing kitty behaviour — treading, making bread, even “pawtycake.” But one thing is clear, the behavior takes hold when felines are very young, as kittens knead against mom-cat’s breasts to stimulate milk flow. When adult cats knead, it generally reflects deep contentment and safety, and yes — love. Cats typically target soft objects such as fuzzy blankets, pillows, or a beloved owner’s lap.

Privacy issues. Why do some cats immediately seek out their humans the minute they head into the bathroom? First, a closed door is a challenge and an affront to a curious cat which is one reason why you’ll see furry paws reaching under the door or cats racing to join their people in the bathroom. More importantly, the bathroom gives cats a captive audience as people glued to the facilities aren’t able to move away.
http://www.pawnation.com/2011/04/13/7-weird-cat-behaviors-and-what-they-mean/

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;
And Mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled down for a long winter's nap,
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below,
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer,
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;
"Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! on Cupid! on, Donder and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky,
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;
A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.
His eyes -- how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath;
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook, when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly.
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night."

Cesar's Way: How to rehabilitate a fearful dog

Question from Theresa Pierce:
I'd like to socialize my dog better. She's very skittish—a loud noise or pop startles her and when people try to be friendly with her she shies away. She's good when I walk her about ignoring other dogs. They bark at her, but she keeps on walking with us—which I think is good. I'd like to improve her social skills around people and other dogs. I was thinking of taking her to a dog park.
Do you have any suggestions for me?
Advice from Cesar’s good friend and dog trainer Cheri Lucas:

Dog who act skittish and insecure around people and other dogs, were usually not socialized when they were young. Often puppies that were taken from their siblings and mother before they were 8 weeks old never learned how to “be” around members of their own species without being anxious. And without the guidance of their canine mother, these pups often grow up to be adults without conflict resolution skills, or the confidence that they can handle whatever situation they encounter. If a dog is kept in the sterile environment of a backyard or kennel, they can also become extremely nervous when they are finally exposed to everyday sounds and movement considered a normal part of the outside world.

Because this type of social deprivation occurs during a dog’s formative months and years, it often takes a long time to resolve, but it can be done. Be patient and mindful that your dog’s rehabilitation will be a “process,” not a quick fix.

As a pack leader, your job will be to control the interactions your dog has with other humans when you’re walking her. People often try to “negotiate” with shy dogs, and move in to them with affection when the dog isn’t ready to meet them. This only pushes a fearful dog back. Instead, politely tell others that your dog is “in training,” and ask them to ignore her. This means no touching, no talking, and no eye contact. This will allow your dog to relax because she doesn’t fell pressured to make friends with a stranger.

If you continue to socialize with your friends in a non-threatening manner to your dog, she may eventually begin to move closer to them or begin to smell them. This is a very positive sign, and the natural way for dogs to meet others—“nose first.” Remind your friends that this is not the time to reach out and pet your dog, because that can send her right back into her shell again. Remember, just because she is ready to smell, doesn’t mean she’s ready to be touched.

Since you can’t control the type of dogs you might find at a dog park, consider meeting up with friends with balanced dogs instead. Practice walking together without pushing the dogs to become friends right away. Allow your dog to experience the ancient ritual of migrating with other canines. Try to practice this several times a week.

When your dog hears noises that startle her, don’t nurture her fears by comforting her. Continue moving forward—you are a pack leader migrating forward with a member of your pack—in control and in charge! When you project this kind of energy, rather than address your dog’s nervous state of mind, she will begin to trust you more and more. The more leadership you show her, the sooner she’ll become a balanced and confident dog!

Cesar's Way