Category: Animal welfare

It’s what you make it

Joey Jones3 Comments

Do you play in your daily life? What says “playtime” to you?

So, I’ve been out and about today. Got me a haircut. Play time? Oh yes!  Makes me happy.  Gemma, my stylist is so talented. I recognise myself in the mirror. Mojo restored.

The thing is, the moment I gave up work, it kicked in. The very second you are a beholder to no one but the lap of the Gods it’s happening

Olympic standard freedom.

Sure, things go pear-shaped, of course they do. A wobble with your health freaks out even the strongest amongst us.

Emotional and mental health are just waiting in the wings, ready for you to make the wrong move. Like chess.

So, maintaining the upper hand is key. There is only you, at the end of the day, to keep yourself on an even keel. Feel you can’t manage it? Please, seek help.

As you will have gathered, if you read any of my posts, I am grateful for small mercies.

Patch has definitely lost a marble along the way, but I’m here for him, big time. Joe, a previous companion, was struck with Cushings. It cost a fortune to keep him comfortable. But I didn’t go anywhere for the last two years of his life.

Why am I telling you this? Playtime is where you find it. Where you make it. I love rocking up here each day. It’s my happy place. I can still have fun at WordPress whilst watching over my best friend. 🐾🐾😍

I’m always here if anyone wants to chat…

Patch is going to hate it

Joey Jones5 Comments

The start to the new year always starts in the most horrible of ways. My poor boy will be cowering in the shower, trying his best to make himself as small as possible.

It’s only 4.45pm GMT, but already I feel a bit sick. Knowing what my lad will have to go through.

Fireworks, Noise, pollution, disruption. Why?

As a kid, I think I was never sure what it was all about. People around me going ooh and aarh. Yeah, a sparkler was nice, but hey, it was cold out there, never really got it.

And then as I grew I learned how wild and domestic animals really were affected. It’s not funny and it’s not clever.

This-

(later edit, I copied this and now can’t find the source to give credit)

“Millions of animals, including pets, farm animals, and wildlife, are significantly affected by fireworks, with studies showing over 80% of pet owners report negative impacts, and high percentages of dogs (around 41-62%) and horses (over 79%) experiencing fear, leading to distress, injury, escapes, and even death, due to the unpredictable, loud noises and flashes.


Impact on Pets (Dogs & Cats)
Fear & Anxiety: High percentages of dogs (41-62%) and cats show fear, trembling, hiding, excessive barking, pacing, and panting.
Escape & Injury: Many pets try to escape, leading to them getting lost, injured, or even killed. Lasting Trauma: Fireworks can cause long-term trauma and lasting stress.


Impact on Farm Animals & Horses
Extreme Distress: Horses and livestock experience severe anxiety, with one survey finding 79% of horses anxious around fireworks.
Fatalities: There are recorded cases of horse fatalities linked to firework panic.


Impact on Wildlife
Disorientation & Death: Birds and small animals can be disoriented, unable to find nests, leading to young dying from starvation or dehydration.


Habitat Disruption: Smoke, pollution, and debris from fireworks litter habitats and harm wildlife.


Why Animals Are So Affected. Heightened Senses: Animals hear and see sounds and lights much more intensely than humans.


Unpredictable Danger: The sudden, loud, and unpredictable nature of fireworks triggers survival instincts, making them seem like a massive, close-range threat.


Key Statistics
80% of pet owners report negative impacts from fireworks (USPCA poll).
62% of dogs show fear (RSPCA).
66% of animals are negatively impacted by private displays (RSPCA).

And that was just part of the report. Horrendous statistics.

Can you imagine what animals in war zones must feel like? No, neither can I.