Congratulations to Liam & Merlin for winning this months Dog & Handler of the Month Award.

Keep up the hard work!

Congratulations to Jane & Bonnie for winning February’s Dog & Handler of the Month Award!  We awarded the prize due to the massive improvement Bonnie has made in the last couple of months.

Well done & keep up the hard work!

P.s. sorry it’s a bit late going up!

Ticks

What is a tick?

A tick is a small, blood-sucking mite. Normally it lives on blood from larger animals, like deer, sheep and other grazing animals. It may also attach itself to humans.

The tick is found in grass, bracken and trees waiting for a possible ‘host’ to walk by. If a tick attaches itself to someone, it will typically find its way to a warm, moist and dark place on the body (like the crotch, armpit, belly button or back of knee).

It will then insert a probe into the skin and begin sucking blood. Once full it can be removed or will drop off. Occasionally, the tick carries a small bacterium called Borrelia burghdor feri in its stomach. This is what causes Lyme disease. The further under the skin it gets, the greater the risk of catching the disease.

Why is it important to remove a tick?

A tick on the body doesn’t usually cause any pain, but it is still important to get rid of it because of the risk of Lyme disease. Every year about 300-500 cases are reported.

How to remove the tick

The tick presses its head into the skin so it is important to try and remove all of it: remnants in the skin could cause infection.

• Use a tick remover. (Tick Twister or O’Tom Tick Remover). A plastic green hook with a ‘v’ shaped fork at the end. Slide the ‘v’ shape end either side of the tick as far as it will go, twist and remove.

• If the above method fails, tie a cotton thread around the tick as close to the head as possible and pull slowly until it lets go.

• Do not attempt to remove the tick through burning or chemicals - this may cause more harm than good.

What to do if the head gets stuck

If the tick is accidentally pulled apart and the head stays in the skin, there is a risk of being infected with other microscopic organisms. This kind of infection has nothing to do with Lyme disease, but can still be dangerous and unpleasant. See a doctor if infection occurs.

Do I need an antibiotic if I have been bitten by a tick?

If you have been bitten by a tick and have removed it, the risk of getting Lyme disease is so small that there is no reason to use an antibiotic.

It is, however, important to watch out for symptoms that may indicate Lyme disease, especially a red spot close to the tick bite. The spot gradually gets bigger and, eventually, a pale area will appear in the middle. This is often accompanied by headache and fever, which will usually appear between 3 and 30 days after the bite. If this happens, see a doctor immediately.

The next intensive beginner course starts 27th April 2010.

To book your place, please email or phone Val.

Hi guys, we have been passed details of a dog looking for a new home.

He is a Beagle and his name is Max but he is registered with the Kennel Club as Tannahill High Jinks, which i’m told is an appropriate name for his temperament!  He was born on the 21st of May 2005, making him just under 5 years old.  He is microchipped and all his vaccinations are up to date, including Kennel Cough.

I don’t know if he is neutered, but will update this post if i get any more information.

If anyone feels they have the space and the time to dedicate to this dog please get in touch.

Thanks

The Dogs Trust charity shop took £500 in their first day!  Thanks to everyone who supported their opening and helped make it such a success!