Tag: happy homes

Local author launches new history book thanks to Scotmid donation

Three Scotmid East Committee Members attended a local book launch at The Crannie Community Hub in Edinburgh’s Old Town after the community-based Scottish retailer provided a £5,000 donation towards the funding of the book’s print, design and publishing costs.

Local author, Richard Rodger, has released his latest book, Happy Homes: Cooperation, Community and the Edinburgh Colonies, following publication this month. The book explores the building and management of 11 different sites of houses built for workers, to a distinctive design by the Edinburgh Cooperative Building Company (ECBC).

Scotmid provided the funding to help shed light on the history of co-operatives across Edinburgh and their importance during a time when Scotmid Co-operative (formerly St. Cuthbert’s Co-operative) was formed.

Harry Cairney said: “Richard’s book provides great insight into the local community, and we were more than happy to support his book launch. The Edinburgh ‘Colonies’ have been a distinctive housing phenomenon for more than 160 years and have a remarkable history, which I’m sure will be of great interest to readers.

“As a convenience retailer, based in the heart of those communities we serve, this donation is just one of the ways we look to provide support to individuals, charities and good cause groups.”

Richard Rodger said: “I am so grateful for the support from Scotmid which has helped me to bring this book from an initial idea through to publication. It’s great to see it in print and I was honoured that Harry, Eddie and Brian took the time to come along to our local community hub for the launch.”

Pictured from left to right: Eddie Thorn, Director and East Regional Committee Member, Harry Cairney, President of Scotmid, Brian Weddell, East Regional Committee Member, and author, Richard Rodger.

Scottish SPCA: 134% increase in people looking to give up unwanted animals

Between 1 September 2020 and 5 January 2021, Scottish SPCA received 476 calls from people looking to give up their animals.

This compares to 205 calls in the same period in 2019/20. Calls about unwanted dogs increased by 103% from 105 to 213. Calls from people looking to give up cats jumped 151% from 61 to 153.

Chief superintendent Mike Flynn said: “We predicted an increase in unwanted animals last year after an explosion in demand for pets among people at home due to the pandemic.

“Whilst not such a big issue for kittens, a generation of pups will have grown up in a household where the family is often around. Once that situation changes it can be hard for a dog to adjust and this can lead to behavioural issues and separation anxiety. These issues can lead to dogs being destructive and it is at this point many owners considering giving their pet up.

“What they don’t realise is that the dog is acting this way because of its own experiences not because of any ingrained issue.”

Thankfully, we not seen an increase in abandonments despite the growth in calls about unwanted animals.

Mike said: “A rise in abandonments is something we’ve been worried about since last March. If anyone is no longer able or willing to look after their pet, they should contact us for advice and we will do what we can.

Cat with staff member

“People should consider their future lifestyle and how to help their pet adapt. Spending time away from their pet so they can get used to being alone is a good start.

“It is heart-breaking to see a healthy animal which loves their family given up because the owners have lost interest or not considered how their circumstances may change. We would urge people to consider a reputable behaviourist or training before they give up their pet.

“Our aim is to keep people and their pets together in a happy home. People who are considering adopting an animal should think long and hard about their circumstances and whether it is the right thing to do.”

Anyone considering giving up their animal should contact Scottish SPCA’s animal helpline on 03000 999 999 in confidence.