Singapore's First Canine Blood Donor Database Launch on World Animal Day

PRESS RELEASE

30 September 2010

SINGAPORE’S FIRST CANINE BLOOD DONOR DATABASE LAUNCH

ON WORLD ANIMAL DAY

Zeus Communications is pleased to announce, on the occasion of World Animal Day 2010, the launch of Singapore’s first canine blood donor database, maintained by Zeus Communications in collaboration with Mount Pleasant Animal Medical Centre. It is also organizing the first drive for canine blood donation towards this new databank.

Dogs, like humans, may need blood for a wide variety of reasons, whether as a result of traumatic injuries from accidents, bone marrow problems, surgical blood loss or tick fever. While blood transfusions are most commonly used to staunch blood loss, it is also used for the treatment of canine illnesses.

Lynda Goh of Zeus Communications explains that “too often, owners are faced with the situation of not being able to locate a suitable donor candidate when their dog requires a blood transfusion urgently. Currently, appeals for canine blood are circulated by email or posted on social networking platforms, and it may take days to locate a suitable donor.” Volunteers with Zeus Communications believe a database of potential canine blood donors can help to alleviate this problem and enable critically ill dogs to be treated sooner. The blood bank is targeted to be accessible by late next month (October 2010).

Pet owners need not be afraid that donating blood will either weaken their pets or be a painful exercise, Zeus Communications says that canine blood donation is similar to that of humans both in terms of process and preparation. Blood donation is relatively painless, and judging from past experience, most dogs do not mind giving blood at all.

The process is fairly straight forward. It starts with a physical check-up for the dog before any actual collection of blood begins. The potential donor has to satisfy a few conditions, such as:

-           Weighing at least 25 kilograms

-           Be between the ages of 1 year and 7 years old

-           Be up-to-date on vaccinations

-           Be on heart-worm prevention

-           Should not have previously received a blood transfusion or be on long-term

            medication.

After the donation, the dog donor may wish to take it easy, but many will get on with their normal routine.

Zeus Communications welcomes all dog owners to take part in its canine blood donation drive.  They can register their canine dog donor via an email to dogstalk@starhub.net.sg, stating their particulars and those of their pet’s.  Alternatively, they can visit Zeus Communications’ blog at http://zeusdoggybloodbank.blogspot.com.

Source: My Paper, 11 October 2010

Source: TODAY, 1 October 2010

Animal Communication Workshops

Rosina travels extensively to conduct Animal Communication workshops, often in Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. She enjoys sharing with her students on what animal communication is all about and how anyone, with practice and perseverance, can master this skill.

The art of listening to what you can't hear.

Rosina in class with her students



In Level 2, students learn Automatic Writing

With this newfound skill, it enables you to listen to what you cannot hear, and allows you to nurture a closer and stronger bond with your pets.



Rosina working with rescued animals



Rosina and Max, the man in her life!

Should you wish to organize animal communication workshops in your country, please send us an email atl.aacca@gmail.com and we'll put you in touch with the respective country representative.

More about Animal Communication workshops and its different levels.

Rosina feels very strongly against puppy mills and breeding farms. If you would like to invite her to talk on these topics, or on animal communication, do contact us.

Peak To Fong

Peak To Fong is a yearly fund-raising event, started with the purpose of raising money to sustain HKDR’s  (Hong Kong Dog Rescue) dog rescue and re-homing efforts. Hosted by HKDR, and in partnership with AACCA (Alliance of Animal Communicators Caring about Animals), Peak To Fong was a resounding success yet again.

The day began with a mingling of familiar faces – dogs, and humans alike, catching up on old times and speaking of the day’s events to come. What followed was a leisurely walk from the Peak Galleria down to Lan Kwai Fong, towards a myriad of entertaining activities that awaited everyone.

Over the years, participants of the fund-raising event have grown into a community of ardent dog lovers who not only seek the best for their canine counterparts, but also partake in efforts to rescue and save countless doggy lives that hang on the balance every single day. As such, Peak To Fong also sees rescued dogs being put up for adoption every year during the fundraiser event. As one walks down the hill with the cacophony of doggy calls and human voices, one would realize that these dogs need only human companionship, and that we should treat them as how we’d treat the people around us.

What followed after the fundraising walk down to Lan Kwai Fong was a street party, put together by and sponsored by some of the local business owners and individual sponsors. In addition, a series of exciting competitions were organized for the dogs.

The first competition was to see which dog could withstand the temptation of doggy treats and goodies. This was a test of endurance and discipline, a show of doggy willpower in the face of the awesome beef jerky…or chewy bone. The next competition was a showcase of the bond between Dog and Man. The dog that was able to perform the most tricks/stunts was the winner. And lastly, this was one peculiar day that saw the most doggy tongues wagging than there were doggy tails. Dogs had to lick their owners’ faces for the longest time. In addition to, owners had the option of slapping some good ol’ Kong Stuff N’ Paste on their faces to “up” the “taste factor”. It was truly a fun-filled afternoon for everyone.

And yet, after all that ruckus and cheer, the importance of raising awareness and finding more good homes for needy dogs remained top priority. Participants of the day’s activities were requested to donate $100 per dog. Also, all proceeds of merchandise sales from the various booths went towards the provision of accommodation, food, and veterinary care for the needy dogs. The event raised a good HKD2600, with much appreciation as one could tell from the many wagging tails on site.

All in all, it was a day well spent, well walked, and most certainly well done! A big “Thank You” to everyone who participated, and we hope to see you again next year.