Pet-Friendly Retirement

My 90 year old Grandma is a trooper. She is enjoying her time at her nursing home, still cheeky with a wicked sense of humour. 

As I walked into her dining hall, I saw that dogs were visiting the nursing home as part of their recreational programs. It got me thinking about retirement (oh- to retire!) and what was available in terms of 'pet-friendly' retirement villages and homes. 

The pet policy and rules of a retirement villa will generally have been formulated having regard to the physical characteristics of the village and the appropriateness of having pets in the village. To the extent that pets are permitted at all, the size, temperament and audibility of the particular pet will be relevant.

Realising the importance of pets to prospective residents, some village operators may allow certain current pets to live in the village, but may not allow replacement pets should the current pet pass away or otherwise leave the village.

Villages may therefore fall into one of the following categories regarding pets:

• no pets allowed under any circumstances
• some pets allowed depending on their size, temperament and audibility
• some current pets allowed (as above), but no replacement pets allowed
• pets allowed generally

So, if your parents or Nan are planning to retire and have a pet, enquiring about the village pet policy and rules is one of the first enquiries they should make if they are planning on retiring with their pet. 

Senior Housing Online finds the perfect retirement property with the right combination of location, facilities and price. Here is the link to pet-friendly retirement housing in Melbourne. 

http://www.seniorshousingonline.com.au/Property/Retirement/VIC/Melbourne-Surrounds/Pet-Friendly

Kilara House in Diamond Creek considers resident pets. Further information including contact details can be found via this link:

http://www.agedcareguide.com.au/facility_details.asp?facilityid=15751

Parkglen Retirement Community in Keysborough welcomes small pets in their retirement villas.

http://www.agedcareguide.com.au/facility_details.asp?facilityid=19271

For those who don't have their own pets, but love pets, Eltham Retirement Centre has its own pets in both the low care and high care areas! 

http://www.agedcareguide.com.au/facility_details.asp?facilityid=16337

This article was written on the 30th of May on DPS News and is a worthwhile read about making aged care 'pet-friendly'. Raise further awareness and show your support by liking the article or leaving a comment. 
http://www.agedcareguide.com.au/news.asp?newsid=7294

The Wishbone Foundation is a registered Australian charity founded in 2002 to provide free pet care to elderly and disabled pet owners living at home, and pets as therapy to assisted living facilities and hospitals . Wishbone currently delivers foundation services in metropolitan Melbourne and some areas of country Victoria. Wishbone is based in the beautiful Pyrenees region of country Victoria, producing an Australian owned and made range of cruelty-free botanical pet care products. 100% of profits from every product sold supports the foundation. Wishbone also offers training, walking and holiday care to pet owners in north-east Victoria on a fee-for-service basis, from which 100% of profits also support the foundation.

www.thewishbonefoundation.org

It is our hope that the elderly never have to part with their beloved pets where possible. If they are in a position where they do need to move into high care, we hope their companion animal can be rehomed with another family member. Dogs are the most loyal and loving companions and will enrich the lives of many elderly.

Dog Grooming ~ Melbourne

After Gypsy’s eye was removed, I became the over-protective devil Mother I never wanted to be. She wasn’t the only one with one-eye. I slept with one-eye open for months. As it healed, both my eyes opened to the fact she was a total scruff ball and was in need of a groom. Summer was approaching and she needed a ‘short’ do not a ‘scruff’ do.

The scruff do!

I had lost all trust in others after Gypsy’s attack and couldn’t even bring myself to trust a groomer to cut her hair (which is ridiculous because our groomers are wonderful and love taking care of Gypsy). Eventually I took her back after giving her a few terrible 'Mummy' haircuts, which resembled train tracks on her poor, beautiful coat!  Everytime I tried to correct my poor trims, it would result in more 'hacking'......the poor darling! 

What?! You aint ever seen a mullet before? 

Giving in to the fact I was not destined to be a dog groomer (though maybe if I enrolled in a Dog Diversity Grooming Course I could turn that around?! http://dogdiversity.com.au/), I took her back to get her first groom post-operation. As she was taken by the groomer, I heard the words 'You can go now'.........Oh gosh I thought....I've become one of those Mums! How could I? I spend much time with parents of the sort as a teacher, gently encouraging them to assist in their child's independence and sensitively dealing with their separation anxieties ( I was one of those children once upon a time) and here now I was, with my furry child, facing my own reality as a parent who needed to let go and trust!

Rock'n'Roll Do! Woo!

We have decided to blog a list of groomers across Melbourne for fast reference though we understand groomers are like hairdressers and most would go off word-of-mouth reputation and/or recommendation. However, you may be new to Melbourne or to a suburb of Melbourne and want to try a new groomer so these leads may point you in the right direction. Please let us know if you have any great recommendations for groomers in the comments below so other readers may also use your great advice when deciding on a groomer.

BLACKBURN 
Hop & Scotch http://www.hopandscotch.com Ph. (03) 9877 0044

BRUNSWICK WEST 
Mostly Mutts http://www.mostlymutts.com.au/ Ph. (03) 9387 4504 
ELWOOD 

Whoopys  http://www.whoopsys.net Ph. (03) 9531 6060

FLEMINGTON 
Poochie Palace http://www.poochiepalace.com.au/ Ph. (03) 9376 7050   

HEIDELBERG 
Waggers Dog Grooming Boutique http://www.waggersdoggrooming.com.au/ 
Ph. 0417 555 572

MALVERN EAST 
The Hair of the Dog http://hairofthedog.chatainstandardpoodles.com/ Ph. (03) 9571 4451

MELBOURNE 
James Home Services (mobile) http://www.jameshomeservices.com.au Ph. 1800 152637

MELBOURNE
Jim's Dog Wash (mobile) http://www.jimsdogwash.com.au/  Ph.131 546

MOONEE PONDS  
Count Dogulas http://www.countdogulas.com.au/ Ph. (03) 9370 9019 

PORT MELBOURNE 
Murphy's Paw http://www.murphyspaw.com.au/ Ph. (03) 9646 5150

RICHMOND  
Laundry Mutt http://www.laundrymutt.com.au  Ph. (03) 9421 4950

SEDDON  
Doggy Dooz  http://doggydooz.com.au/ Ph. (03) 9687 0299

SOUTH MELBOURNE 
Diggiddy Doggy Day Spa http://www.diggiddydoggy.com.au/
Ph. (03) 9682 7297

SOUTH YARRA 
Dog Chic Doggy Day Spa http://www.dogchic.com.au/ 
Ph. (03) 9826 4130

WILLIAMSTOWN NORTH
Hairy Hounds http://www.hairyhounds.com.au  
Ph. (03) 9397 8521

Alternatively, you may decide your talents are far greater than mine and groom your own dog. Poppet is a rescue dog, and slowly but surely she is more welcoming of human affection. Though usually it is on her terms. She enjoys being brushed, I can quickly clean her ears, though I still rely on the groomers to trim her nails as I don't trust myself. So I half-groom my own dog! 

http://www.pawsco.com.au/

Our friends @ Paws & Co have the goods to get you going in grooming! They stock the SEXY BEAST range of products which are 100% vegan, 100% safe and 100% sexy! I'm not sure I would ever call my pugs sexy LOL! But they are darn cute and if they smell beautiful after using a wonderful, safe product then even better!  

Hello Gorgeous Shampoo suds up your pup with its ultra rich, 100% plant based, super shine formula. It is Hypo-Allergenic and paraben-free with active organic lime & cherry extracts and chamomile oil. Sounds divine!

Breaking Hearts Conditioner is a rich and creamy treat which seals in moisture and detangles and softens their coat. Again it is Hypo-Allergenic, and imparts an illuminating sheen with active organic extracts. of ginkgo biloba, green tea, chamomile, lavendar, rosemary and aloe vera.

Any readers interested in trying the Sexy Beast Range can receive 10% of their first purchase from Paws & Co. Simply enter the password 'Gypsy' at checkout!

Lastly while we are on the topic of grooming, many Animal Rescue groups are always looking for Volunteers to assist them with such jobs like brushing coats so they don't matt etc. Every little bit counts. Get in touch with your local Animal Rescue Group to see if you can assist in some way. Pets love pampering in some form (some may not like the 'bath' bit but they definitely like the 'brush' bit!)

We thought we would finish with some extra-ordinary grooming examples. Wowsers!

Frequent Flyer Pugs & Road Trips

Frequent Flyer Pugs

Airports are a mixture of emotions depending on the intention of your travel.  In our case, we feel a sense of excitement about visiting  extended family and we feel anticipation of upcoming holiday plans. This is soon followed by that lump in your throat when you have to say goodbye to extended family, though it is soothed by the comfort of returning to home surrounds.

Gypsy and Poppet with their Qantas travel crates. They now also have a 'Fragile' Sticker on top thanks to a lovely lady at the Qantas desk who thought they were precious!

I often wonder how holiday travel impacts our dogs. Do they feel the goodbyes like we do?The pugs travel with us where possible. To others, we look like a traveling circus in airport terminals, but to us it feels relatively normal now.  The more attached you become to your dogs, the harder it is to enjoy travel holidays without them. The Qantas staff are wonderful to our pugs and we are grateful that Qantas make it affordable for us to travel with them. If you are interested in finding out more information about flying with your dog, please visit the link below:

http://www.qantas.com.au/travel/airlines/travelling-with-pets/global/en

Prefer to stay on land? Perhaps a road trip or long drive to your destination?

Does your dog suffer from car-sickness? We are blessed with dogs who LOVE to travel in the car. They are extremely intuitive and know when we have reached our destination. They will start screaming with joy and pacing the back seat (within the confines of their seatbelt of course).

Whilst not based in Melbourne, Seeing Dog Seat is Australian made and couriers to Melbourne, and may offer you a solution to your dog’s travel sickness.

I can See Dog Car Seat is an elevated seat that allows small dogs to see out while being restrained.

How adorable does Hamish look in his car seat?!

Why buy a dog car seat?

1. Keep Your Dog Restrained

The main reason to use a dog car seat is to keep your dog restrained. Dogs should never ride in the front seat in case the airbag deploys which could cause death or serious injury. Many dogs jump around the car which can be very distracting to the driver and dangerous for both you and your dog. An unrestrained 4.5kg dog in a crash at 81km/h would exert 227kgs of force on whatever it strikes :(

2. Ensure Your Dog's Comfort.

Your dog will be able to see out the window. Dogs love to see what's going on. They are less likely to slide around, this can also help with motion sickness. The seat is like a bed so your dog feels more secure and can even lie down and have a sleep on longer trips!

3. Benefits For You

You are able to concentrate on driving and not be distracted by your dog on your lap or jumping around the car. The car seat protects your car's upholstery. Avoid a fine and loss of demerit points for having your dog on your lap or unrestrained.

                 

       For further information, email helen@icanseedogcarseat.com or visit their website http://www.icanseedogcarseat.com/

If you do decide to road trip with your dog(s), remember we have included links to Pet-Friendly Accommodation in Melbourne and Greater Melbourne in a past blog which you can revisit via this link:

http://gypsyju.blogspot.com.au/2012/01/pet-friendly-accommodation-links.html

If traveling with your dog isn’t a viable option, then you need to carefully consider how your dog will enjoy their holiday away from you too! Do you have friends or family who love your dog as much as you do? Could you team up with other dog owners with similar breeds and socialise your pets together so that you can both dog sit for each other?  If you decide to put your dog in a kennel or pet hotel, does the environment mirror what you have at home? These are all questions you need to answer honestly in order to provide your companion with a wonderful holiday experience also. While we miss our pugs extremely when we travel away, we feel no guilt as they are surrounded by the same, if not more love in our extended family ~ in a similar environment to that of which they have at home.

Happy travels.

The Age Run Melbourne 2012

Sunday 15 July 

Join RSPCA staff, volunteers, family and friends in Team RSPCA and run for a great cause that will not only keep you fit but help the RSPCA care for animals in desperate need.

There is something for everyone, with 5km, 10km and 21km walk and runs to choose from, anyone can go the distance! If you would like to get involved but running or walking is simply not your thing, why not donate the dollar instead!

The registration fee covers the event costs, so every dollar we can raise as RSPCA fundraisers will go along way to help RSPCA Victoria continue its vital work in animal welfare! 

1	Head to the 2012 Run Melbourne registration page: http://www.runmelbourne.com.au/start.php?linkid=173
2	Click 'New Entry'.
3	Under Fundraising Information – please select 'I wish to fundraise – as part of a team'
4	Under entry details please select your distance and nominate team ‘Team RSPCA' as your selected team.
5	Complete registration and payment.
6	To become a fundraiser visit our ‘Team RSPCA’ Melbourne fundraising page.
7	Select to join a team.
8	Register yourself with your own user name and password and join 'Team RSPCA’ with the password rspca123.
9	Once you have registered with Run Melbourne and joined 'Team RSPCA,' send the fundraising link to your family and friends to sponsor your amazing running efforts and support ‘all creatures great and small’!

Cupcake Day for the RSPCA

 

Monday 20 August 2012 

RSPCA is calling for your baking expertise and enthusiasm to help raise much needed funds for all creatures great and small. By registering, baking and fundraising for Cupcake Day for the RSPCA, you will be part of an exceptional group of supporters who understand the importance of pets in our lives. Your cupcakes will help give a surrendered puppy a home, rescue a neglected pony, provide emergency surgery to an injured kitten and save thousands of lives.

The RSPCA would love to beat lasts year’s total funds raised of $1.1M  ;)

Follow this link to register in Melbourne (Victoria)

http://www.fundraise.rspcacupcakeday.com.au/registrations/list/334

Gypsy and Poppet found some of the best looking cupcakes ~ check them out for inspiration!

For further information, visit the official webpage. The official Cupcake Day website has all the information you need in regards to setting up your own fundraising page, becoming a host, creating a team and of course how you can support this tasty event! ;)

http://www.rspcacupcakeday.com.au/

So what are you waiting for? Grab your favourite recipe, dust off your chef’s hat and get baking to celebrate Cupcake Day for the RSPCA!