Tag: West Calder

Three-legged cheetah bounds back to health with the support of West Lothian Zoo

FIVE SISTERS ZOO CELEBRATES THE FELINE MAKING A FULL RECOVERY AFTER ADOPTING THE UNWANTED INJURED CHEETAH

West-Lothian-based Five Sisters Zoo, has announced that Ashanti the three-legged-cheetah has made a full recovery after her life-changing amputation surgery.

As the fastest land animal on earth, the cheetah reaches speeds of more than 100 kmph. So, when the crippling and complicated ankle break rendered four-year-old Ashanti lame, it was devastating for the beautiful big cat and her keepers.

When Ashanti’s previous zoo found itself having to close, it struggled to find another zoo to take her on as a result of her complicated leg fracture and its failure to heal despite surgery by the zoo’s vet. Despite this and knowing she would need significant care and treatment, the family-owned Five Sisters Zoo – renowned for its work and care for endangered animals – welcomed Ashanti into their care in March 2022.

Despite a further two surgeries to try return her leg to normal function, the specialist vet team reluctantly had to make the difficult decision to amputate her right hind leg. Now, six months on, the extraordinary cheetah has fully recovered and is now bounding around her habitat at the West Calder Zoo.

Brian Curran, owner of Five Sisters Zoo, said: “It was an incredibly difficult decision; it gave us all sleepless nights.

“When she first arrived at Five Sisters Zoo, Ashanti would cope with running around with the other cheetahs and didn’t appear to let the old injury slow her down too much. However, after lots of playing and running in their new large enclosure, Ashanti would periodically become quite lame and tired and would need a course of pain relief medication.

“Despite two further specialist surgical operations at the zoo to try to improve matters, we knew this wasn’t going to be sustainable or fair long-term, so our specialist veterinary team made the difficult decision to amputate her leg.

“After a successful operation and within just a few weeks of the surgery, Ashanti was clearly happier and much more contented which made us feel like we made the correct decision.”

Romain Pizzi FRCVS, Head of Veterinary Services for Five Sisters and President of the British Veterinary Association’s Scottish branch, said: “Ashanti’s injury was a complicated one, with a difficult break in her right hind ankle that had not healed when she arrived at the zoo.

“Despite our performing a further two operations at Five Sisters Zoo to try and return her leg back to a more normal function, she was not coping well, and was prone to injuring the leg easily.  After much deliberation, we decided to amputate her leg and are so pleased with her recovery.

“Ashanti actually translates to ‘gratitude’, and while she might run away when she sees me now as I’m the one who operated on her, I hope she is, in fact, grateful and happy to be back on her (three healthy) feet!

“We can’t wait to see Ashanti continue to thrive and put a smile on everyone’s face for many more years to come at Five Sisters Zoo.”

Ashanti’s carers welcome guests and visitors to Five Sisters Zoo to view her full recovery for themselves.

For more information or to plan your visit, please go to: https://fivesisterszoo.co.uk.

Long-legged and short-legged dogs: Do they measure up to what you are looking for?

Dogs Trust West Calder is on a mission to promote their lovely long-legged and somewhat shorter-legged dogs with their ‘Long and the Short of It’ rehoming promotion.   

When considering adopting a dog people may initially focus on their size thinking of lanky long-legged lurchers or gangly greyhounds sprawling on the sofa or a short-legged tiny terrier scampering around.  However, the team at West Calder believe it’s important to recognise that all dogs have unique qualities and personalities beyond their physical appearance and never to rule out a dog due to its size.   

As part of the promotion dogs currently available for adoption are being renamed according to their leg length with a ‘Long and the Short of It’ event being held on Sunday 11th June. Anyone thinking of rehoming a dog now or in the future is welcome to come along to West Calder Rehoming Centre between 12 and 4pm to learn more all about the range of qualities unique to each of the dogs currently available for rehoming at the centre.   

West Calder Rehoming Centre Manager Susan Tonner said: “A dog’s size is often one of the first things people consider when choosing a dog. We currently have 14 dogs that we have renamed Longlegs or Shortlegs as we wanted to find a fun way of showing that long or short legged dogs each have very different personalities that might surprise you beyond their first physical impression.  

“We believe if you limit yourself to choosing a dog by size alone, you could miss out on the dog of your dreams. We hope people will get involved in the promotion and come and meet some of our fantastic dogs up for adoption.” 

Long-legged and short-legged dogs currently awaiting their forever homes include: 

Scooby Shortlegs is a nine-year-old terrier. He is a playful and lively little dog who is a massive sports fan, with football being his speciality. As keen explorer, he loves to travel and is always up for an adventure. After having lots of playtime he loves to snuggle under his cosy blankets keeping warm and snug.  

Stuart Shortlegs is a seven-year-old Jack Russell Terrier. He is a little pocket rocket with the cheekiest personality. He loves his carers and will always welcome them with the cutest wiggle and waggiest tail. He loves to go for walks, is very playful and can often be found carrying his favourite toys. 

Lucy Longlegs is a three-year-old Lurcher who is the smartest dog we know. She loves to learn and has lots of fun tricks to show you. She is sweet, affectionate, and loves to stretch her long legs by chasing after a bouncy ball. 

Levi Longlegs is a three-year-old Lurcher who is a gentle boy with the best ears in the world. He loves to chill and relax in your company. He enjoys his walks, playing with his favourite teddys and snuggling up next to you on the sofa. 

You can view all the dogs patiently awaiting new homes at West Calder Rehoming Centre here: https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/rehoming/our-centres/west-calder or call 01506 873 459.  

You can follow the team at West Calder on Instagram @dogstrust_westcalder and twitter @DT_WestCalder 

Gorgeous Gregor’s gold star report from foster carers

An eight-year-old Shar-pei who has received a gold star report from his Dogs Trust foster carers is hoping being on his best behaviour will help him find his forever home.  

Gorgeous Gregor arrived at the charity’s West Calder Rehoming Centre in May 2022 after being found as a stray. It didn’t take long for staff to realise Gregor wasn’t suited to life in kennels, so a temporary foster home was sought. 

Gregor landed on his paws when he first went into foster care in July 2022 with Fiona Jardine from Grangemouth. She said Gregor was a very well-behaved boy and perfect house guest.   

Gregor is now enjoying life in a foster home with Meta Brockie from Dunfermline who said: “Gregor is a wonderful, calm, gentle and easy going dog. He has a very sweet nature and is friends with everyone he meets whether dog or human.

“”When out walking he takes his time and loves to stop and look at what people are doing rather like a nosey neighbour.  He is also very funny, loves his food and sleeps through the night.  There really is nothing not to like about Gregor.”

Shona Crosbie, Home from Home Coordinator at Dogs Trust West Calder said: “Gregor’s personality is now shining bright after what has been an unsettling time in his life. He has lived in two foster homes now with both of his foster carers agreeing what a delight he is in the home. 

“A dog can be in foster from a few days to a few weeks, with the average time being 21 days.  Gregor has been in foster nearly eight months and we cannot understand why he hasn’t been snapped up.  He has the looks, a loving nature, is housetrained and is very well-mannered. We are keen to hear from anyone who thinks our gorgeous boy could be the canine companion for them. 

“We are so grateful to Fiona, Meta and all our foster carers for everything they do for dogs like Gregor.  For dogs that cannot adapt to life in a rehoming centre having the option of a foster home is vital for their happiness and wellbeing.  We learn so much more about our dogs when they are in a home environment and this also helps with finding them the right forever home.  Our foster carers are simply the best.” 

While Gregor is friendly on his walks, happily saying hello to dogs of all shapes and sizes, he is looking for a home where he is the only pet.

He could live in a home with children aged 16 and over. Gregor isn’t keen on the rain so prefers to go for walks in fair weather. He appreciates a little time to meet new people but once the bond is made, he is loyal and loving. Gregor is on medication for arthritis which he takes no problem at what is one of his favourite times of day, food time.    

If you are interested in rehoming Gregor you can apply here: 

https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/rehoming/dogs/shar-pei/1257238 

For more information about fostering for Dogs Trust email:

HFHWestCalder@dogstrust.org.uk 

Dogs Trust calls on people to give older dogs fur-ever homes

With this weekend marking the International Day of Older Persons (Saturday 1st October 2022) and Grandparents’ Day (Sunday 2nd October 2022), Dogs Trust West Calder is shining a spotlight on its OAPs (Old Age Pooches) in the hope that people will open their homes as well as their hearts by rehoming an older dog.  

 Whilst many people often want to rehome younger dogs and puppies, older dogs have just as much love to give the right owners and these refined older pooches make the perfect canine companions for people looking to provide a cosy retirement home for them to spend their golden years in.   

Susan Tonner, Rehoming Centre Manager at Dogs Trust West Calder said:  
“Sometimes older dogs can be overlooked in favour of younger pups, but they deserve just as much attention and care from new owners as their younger counterparts.     

“There are lots of benefits of rehoming an Old Age Pooch. Often older dogs don’t need quite as much exercise and although they can be a little less energetic, senior canines can be just as fun and playful.    

“Older dogs are more likely to be fully house-trained and, as they are older and wiser, they usually know other training basics too, but you can certainly still teach an old dog new tricks.   

“They can also make the perfect napping partner and enjoy a good snooze and a snuggle in the evening”.  

The top three breeds of older dogs (aged 8 and over) that were taken in across all Dogs Trust Rehoming Centres between August 2021-22 were Jack Russell Terriers, Crossbreed and Staffordshire Bull Terriers.  

One such Staffordshire Bull Terrier at West Calder Rehoming Centre looking for a loving new home to rest their paws is Brooke. 

Brooke is an incredibly friendly and loving girl with people.  She loves attention, getting lots of fuss and is partial to a belly rub and ear scratch.

Brooke may be 11 years old, but she still enjoys going for walks and playing with her toys especially catching her ball or playing tug. Brooke is very clever and knows how to sit, lie-down and give a paw.

She walks well on her lead and will happily jump in the car to go on a new adventure. Brooke is not so keen on other dogs, preferring to keep her distance from them.  She could live with children aged 14 and over.   

If you think you could help Dogs Trust West Calder show that age is just a number by rehoming Brooke or another older dog at the centre, please visit: www.dogstrust.org.uk    

Over recent months, Dogs Trust has received a record number of calls from people needing to rehome their dogs in the face of the new cost of everyday living.  

To be there for all dogs who need help, the charity is looking for dedicated foster carers who can offer immediate support and help out with cuddles and a comfy sofa until they find their forever home. 

If you’re a dog lover, but not able to take on the commitment of rehoming a dog, but would be interested in fostering a golden oldie, please visit: 

www.dogstrust.org.uk/rehoming/fostering   

Thank Dog it’s Fostering Friday!

Dogs Trust is spending the summer honouring their fantastic foster carers by shouting Thank Dog it’s Fostering Friday!

The charity’s bases in West Calder and Dundee are collaborating throughout the summer to share all the fantastic benefits fostering can bring to both people and dogs. The online celebration is inspired by the incredible efforts of the charity’s foster carers to help dogs prepare for the next stages of their rehoming journey.

Thank Dog it’s Fostering Friday, shortened to TDIFF, is a play on the popular phrase ‘Thank God It’s Friday’ (TGIF), typically used to mark the end of the working week. But for Dogs Trust, the celebration of foster carers isn’t limited to the weekend.

Over the next six weeks, Dogs Trust West Calder and Dogs Trust Dundee will be highlighting success stories, real-life fostering experiences, and the joys of opening your heart and home to a dog in need across their social media pages. Followers will also get a peek at all the dogs in their area currently looking for foster homes.

“We couldn’t rehome as many dogs as we do without the help of our foster carers,” said Shona Crosbie, Home from Home Coordinator at Dogs Trust West Calder. “We’re thankful for everything our carers do to help get our dogs back on their paws. And we know our dogs are grateful for their love and support too!”

Foster carers play a major role in helping dogs prepare for a happy future in a new home. There are countless advantages of getting involved in the scheme. It is the perfect way for dog lovers to experience the joy of rehoming without the long-term commitment. Fosterers also receive the committed support of the Dogs Trust team, being provided with everything they need to support their foster dog, from food and bedding to covering veterinary costs.

The event will promote Dogs Trust’s continued fostering expansion throughout Scotland. Having successfully rehomed 140 dogs through their fostering scheme in 2021, Dogs Trust West Calder have recently extended their Home from Home reach across the whole of the Lothians and the Scottish Borders. Dogs Trust Dundee launched earlier this year, rehoming their first dog in the northeast of Scotland in May.

Susan Tonner, West Calder’s Centre Manager said: “We would love to invite more people to join our Home from Home scheme. By recruiting more foster carers, we can increase our support across Scotland and find even more perfect homes for dogs in need.”

The six-week-long celebration will conclude with in-person events on Friday 12 August between 2pm-3.30pm. These events will be an excellent chance for budding participants to meet current foster carers, hear about their experiences, and ask questions. Dogs Trust Home from Home Coordinators will be on hand to provide information and share more about the benefits of fostering.

People based in the Lothians and Scottish Borders can attend an event on 12 August between 2-3.30pm at the Dogs Trust Rehoming Centre in West Calder. Those based in the northeast of Scotland can join Dogs Trust Dundee at The Glass Pavilion in Broughty Ferry on 12 August between 2-3.30pm.

Follow the Thank Dog it’s Fostering Friday celebration by keeping an eye on #TDIFF on Twitter and Instagram. See all the latest updates on Dogs Trust West Calder on twitter @DT_WestCalder and Insta @dogstrust_westcalder and Dogs Trust Dundee on twitter @DT_Dundee_ and Insta @dt_dundee

Anyone interested in fostering or finding out more about the #TDIFF event should contact HFHWestCalder@dogstrust.org.uk or HFH.Dundee@dogstrust.org.uk for more information.

Aimee Jane murder: man arrested

A 25-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the murder of Aimee Jane Cannon in West Calder.

Aimee Jane (26) was found with a number of serious injuries at a property on Learmonth Crescent, West Calder around 6.35pm on Saturday, 7 May, 2022. 

Enquiries remain ongoing following the arrest.

Members of the public can still submit information via an online portal.

The Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) is a website that gives the public access to a form so they can send information directly to the major incident teams based at the Scottish Crime Campus: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/SCOT22S14-PO1 

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting reference 3181 of 7 May, 2022.

Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A new home for Lord Eric?

Rescue dog who is afraid of the dark on the lookout for a new home

Lord Eric Longlegs is a current resident of Dogs Trust’s Rehoming Centre in West Calder and he doesn’t mind potential owners knowing he is afraid of the dark!

Currently on the centre’s Home From Home fostering programme, Lord Eric has been enjoying his time with his temporary foster family, however they noticed that he gets anxious going out to the garden when it is dark, unless someone goes with him.

Lord Eric Longlegs got his name after arriving at the rehoming centre more than four months ago. At eight-years-old, he is more than your typical long-legged Greyhound as he is a very sensitive big soul; he loves people, he loves journeys in the car, he loves sleeping on the sofa and he absolutely adores his food.

Stephen Thomson, Home From Home Coordinator at Dogs Trust West Calder, said: “Lord Eric has been with us now since before lockdown began and he hasn’t received much interest from potential owners. As he is such a loving and sensitive boy, we wanted to keep him in a family environment as much as possible, so he could enjoy all the human companionship he is used to.

“One of the reasons having foster carers is so beneficial is because they learn so much about each dogs character and what they are like in a home environment. Dogs staying at the rehoming centre are never usually without a canine carer beside them when out for walks, so it is beneficial for potential owners to know that a dog like Eric isn’t the biggest fan of the dark, so they can fully consider his rehoming needs.

“We would love to find Eric his forever home and he is currently available to meet by appointment, so get in touch with the team at the rehoming centre to find out more.”

The team at Dogs Trust West Calder is also on the lookout for more people to come forward and apply to be foster carers, especially those who don’t have any other pets in the family home.

Lord Eric’s foster carer, Rod, said: “Eric is such a great companion and he has been a real saviour for me during the recent lockdown as he has been staying with me since March.

“It has been a difficult time over the last four months and I’d honestly be lost without Eric, so making sure he doesn’t have to go outside in the dark is the least I can do for him.”

As well as needing a new family who can help him with additional training, to build his confidence, Lord Eric can live with children over the age of 10 and could potentially live with another female Sighthound. He would benefit from a family who has previous experience with his breed and can provide him with a secure garden to explore.

Dogs Trust rehoming centres are currently not open for public browsing but you can still make an appointment to adopt or bring a dog to us.

The charity has set up new processes which include social distancing measures to help keep staff and our visitors safe.

For more information please visit www.dogstrust.org.uk/our-centres/west-calder or call 01506536840

Can you help ‘lead’ the way in canine welfare as a rescue dog volunteer?

Local Dogs Trust Rehoming Centre in West Calder is looking for volunteers to come onboard and lend a paw to help the canine residents in their care. The team has a number of volunteering roles to be filled, which includes canine care assistants and volunteer receptionists. Continue reading Can you help ‘lead’ the way in canine welfare as a rescue dog volunteer?

Dogs Trust free event: Local dog rescue needs your help

Volunteer recruitment event at Dogs Trust in West Lothian

Dogs Trust West Calder is hosting a volunteer recruitment event on Sunday 19th May 2019 open to anyone wishing to help make a difference to the lives and welfare of dogs. Continue reading Dogs Trust free event: Local dog rescue needs your help