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Scottish SPCA opens new sensory garden for dogs in Aberdeenshire
"The team have witnessed positive changes in the confidence levels of the dogs, especially those which came from puppy farms." - Louise Griese, acting centre manager.

Unique space to provide enrichment for rescue dogs

The Scottish SPCA has opened a sensory garden designed especially for dogs in its’ Aberdeenshire Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre, thanks to funding from craft beer company BrewDog.

The charity takes in a number of dogs who have been abused, injured or abandoned from across Scotland. Many of these dogs lack basic learned behaviours and experience of socialisation.

The goal of the sensory garden is to present rescued dogs with a variety of sights, scents and sounds to help improve their confidence and comfort.

Areas with different textured surfaces and obstacles provide exercise for the dogs and allow them to play in a safe, mentally stimulating space.

The Scottish SPCA also plans to plant dog-friendly plants in the summer months which will encourage the dogs to use their sense of smell.

Acting centre manager, Louise Griese said: “We’ve designed this area to incorporate as many different experiences for the dogs as possible including a safe, quiet space for them to relax in.

“Our centre in Glasgow opened their sensory garden last year and since opening, the team have witnessed positive changes in the confidence levels of the dogs, especially those which came from puppy farms, it would appear that this has been enriching for the dogs.

“It was a real team effort involving the local community...We’re so grateful to the BrewDog Foundation for making this sensory garden possible. This will change the lives of dogs that come into our care and better prepare them for finding their loving, forever homes.”

Image (c) The Scottish SPCA

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.