Hello <<First Name>> and welcome to the New Year, January, edition of P.E.P.A. Newsletter.
In this issue we write about the events in December plus those scheduled for January, an article on processional caterpillars, dogs and cats seeking adoption and those needing new homes. An update on PEPA shops and shopping via Amazon. And more starting with an address by the President, Pat Taylor
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"Happy New Year to all our readers and welcome to the first newsletter of 2017, I hope you enjoy reading through it. We’ve included preliminary end of year information regarding the animals we’ve helped in 2016. There is also an informative article on the Processionary Caterpillar which are active earlier this year. I’m pleased to report that PEPA’s finances are healthier at the end of 2016 than they were in the previous year and that we have been able to help other animal charities and organisations, albeit in a small way.
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Various successful fundraising events were held in 2016: PEPA fun day and fun dog show, party night at Bar 99, first aid course, auction in Honeydukes Bar, Oliva. Plus the rastros at Viva España, our monthly lunches and quiz nights held in Oliva and Palma de Gandia and sponsorship initiatives. Thank you so much everybody who contributed towards making these events a success. Again I won’t name names for fear of missing anybody out – and if I’ve omitted to mention a fundraising event, please forgive me; a lot happens in a year in PEPA!
There have been changes in the PEPA Board structure. Most sadly, Sean Hall-Smith our former Treasurer lost his battle with cancer in late September. He is greatly missed; for his expertise in handling our financial affairs, for his sound advice and for his sense of humour! Thank you Des Smith for taking over the reins, it’s so reassuring to know that our financial affairs are still in good hands. During 2016, we were all pleased to welcome Vickie Houlihan to the Board in August. Vickie ably supports Rosemary Macdonald on the Rehoming Team.
Other volunteers who have generously taken on key PEPA roles are Jenny Screen, who deals with the PEPA membership tasks and Colin West who is manager of the Oliva PEPA charity shop and Glenda Bowers who ably supports him. Again, I must please stress that there are so many volunteers who, although don’t have official roles, give so much time and effort for the benefit of PEPA and the animals that we help. Thank you everybody!" Pat Taylor
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What happened in December ??.............
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P.E.P.A. Christmas Lunch at Moli Canyar Restaurant in Potries...
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What a great afternoon spent with friends. Good company, good food and a lovely friendly, happy atmosphere. Thank you everybody who helped to make this lunch so special and so successful. Due to everybody's generosity, we raised a grand total of 901€!! Nearly 500€ was raised on the main raffle alone. We had so many super raffle prizes donated to us that we had to put some aside for future PEPA raffles! Thank you to everybody who brought along the prizes, including the restaurant owner Pepe who donated a bottle of brandy. The array of presents to be won looked so Christmassy and tempting; as proved by the amount raised! Thanks Alfie Rodier for shouting out the winning numbers and thanks to Mavis and Margaret for selling the raffle tickets, I hope Alfie's voice has come back by now!
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Mavis Taylor once again made a beautiful Christmas cake, pictured here, which we felt deserved a separate raffle along with an overflowing basket of Christmas goodies donated by Jan Thomas. These two alone raised 165€. Foster carers, Roz and Jerry Brown won the Christmas cake and have generously decided to donate it to the Franciscan Shelter for men.
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Thank you Rosemary MacDonald for bringing along over a 100 organically grown (enormous) oranges. They gave such a festive look to the tables alongside Brenda Whyte’s decorations. Julie Rodier was a star for making all the delicious mince pies to have with our coffees. Thanks Julie. Thank you for the monetary donations given to PEPA at Christmas – and last but not least, thank you everybody who came along to this special lunch.
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P.E.P.A. Quiz at the White Swan, Palma de Gandia
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We’re pleased to say that a grand total of 122€ was raised at the PEPA White Swan quiz in December. Thank you Chrissie for the fun Christmas themed quiz. Always a lovely friendly atmosphere at these quizzes – and the beef stew and Yorkshire pudding was delicious! Pat Taylor
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Two from Pat Taylor.........
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Start the year with us at our monthly lunch at Bar L´ Irlandes
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A new P.E.P.A. quiz venue, come along if you can ...
(please note change in previously advertised date.)
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Help needed... calling all transporters.. Estelle Smith is struggling to help Rosemary with the transporting of PEPA dogs across the region. Only five names are on the list so we are appealing for help. If you feel you can help us with this then please contact me, estelle.smith@icloud.com or call 962807086. Even if you prefer short distances or could just help occasionally you would be making a great difference to our charity. Expenses can be paid.
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Looking for help for 5 kittens
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Advance notice of the White Swan quizzes scheduled for 2017
21st February, 21st March, 18th April, 16th May, 20th June, 18th July, 15th August, 19th September, 17th October, 21st November, 19th December
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Some memorable fund raising events from 2016
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This is a charming story.
It is written by Peter and Trevor, proud new owners of "Chance" who came to PEPA with a broken leg and was nursed back to health by Jeanette and Billy (two of our foster carers), before being adopted by Peter&Trevor. Read on..
"Arriving from Valencia in Muro de Alcoy at the home of Jeanette and Billy, Chance's foster parents, the welcoming committee of other dogs greeted us from the Veranda with a chorus of barks and yelps. Chance was waiting inside all bathed and bouncing after the heavy rains. What a loving home he has enjoyed while his broken front leg mended thanks to the wonderful care he had received until we got the call to come and take a chance on him. We sat with Jeanette over tea and learned of all his history in the time he has been fostered and healed through this loving environment. We left with his passport and other supporting documents along with food to get us started and lots of great advice... and a very tearful Jeanette waving goodbye. Chance sat in the back of the car with Trevor and immediately formed a bond and immediately dozed off!
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As I am writing this it is not even 24 hours since he has moved into our apartment and our lives and Chance couldn't be a better new family member. He slept peacefully, ate well, and melted our hearts with his winning ways. To the rehoming team, and especially to the work that Jeanette has done to give this little man a new Chance in life, sincere thanks. You’re all very special". Peter
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Thank you Peter and Trevor for giving Chance the special home that he deserves
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Cats and Dogs adopted in 2016
The figures haven’t been finalised as yet, however around 139 dogs and pups were adopted in 2016 plus 10 cats and kittens. A commendable amount, especially when taking into consideration that home checks are made on all prospective adopters, whether in Spain or abroad. Thank you Rosemary Macdonald and Vickie Houlihan of the rehoming team – and thank you to all our wonderful foster carers.
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One of the dogs adopted in 2016 was Jake. Read on....
There are many happy tales of rags to riches.
Jake’s story is such a heart-warming example. PEPA was able to save 5 year old Jake from being put to sleep. He was put in the Perrera after he was taken by the police as his owner had left him chained up in his own excrement to die. He was covered in ticks and fleas and nearly starved to death.
Jake was nursed back to health by foster carers Jeanette and Billy and then adopted by a lovely caring family in the UK. Throughout all his trials Jake never displayed any aggressive behaviour. A smashing loyal loving dog who so deserved a bit of happiness.
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Not forgetting the cats
Although the figures haven’t yet been finalised approximately 50 cats have been sterilised in 2016 with the help of PEPA. Apart from helping in a small way to reduce the feral cat population in our area of operation it has meant that some of these cats, although not officially adopted, are given regular food and shelter by the folk who have taken them in.
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For the past 2 years PEPA has committed to sterilising around 100 feral cats within the approximate area of: Oliva – Xeraco – Alzira – Ontinyent - Xativa. And we will do so again in 2017. The programme is managed by Joe Goodwin, the founder and ex-president of P.E.P.A. His telephone numbers are 96 280 8332 and 608693431 and email is joegoodwine@gmail.com.
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And we made donations to some very needy animal charities :-
It’s with thanks to our supporters and volunteers that PEPA’s financial situation in 2016 was far healthier than in the previous year. We have therefore been able to make small donations to other charities and organisations in accordance with one of the aims of PEPA. Throughout the year the occasional donation of 50€ has been made to help pay for release fees of dogs from the Perrera, to help with transport costs overseas or to help with the medical costs of a poorly animal. These small amounts totalled approximately 500€. And in December we were able to make the following donations:
500€ - APROP (Protectora de Animales de Pego). To help pay for
sterilisations of some of their rescue dogs.
200€ - Appache. A small Spanish run organisation, based in Chella
who struggle to help the abandoned animals in their area.
100€ - SCAN. Christmas treats for their dogs!
300€ - Vedama in Oliva.
500€ - To the kennels with whom PEPA boards some of our dogs
and who also fosters dogs for PEPA. This will help to build more
runs for the many dogs under their care.
Thank you everybody who has made this possible.
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Dogs adopted in December
A total of 14 lucky dogs and pups were adopted in December. Including little Koby cuddling up with the lovely, gentle Alba, Sam sharing a lap with Bolita the Siamese, Ruby happy in the UK and little Monkey so called because she loves to roll in mud! Thank you for giving these lucky souls a loving home.
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And there are those still seeking new homes - do you know anyone who can help? These lovely dogs seeking new homes...
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Celia and Sophia: two beautiful sisters saved from a dreadful situation. They are both sterilized and vaccinated. Born in April 2015, both are very obedient, very loving and also gentle with cats. Gorgeous friendly girls who can be rehomed separately.
Noah: Cheeky, loveable podenco X pup born in Frbruary 2016. Noah is a small medium sized boy and is castrated and vaccinated. Great with other dogs
Dino: 9 year old little man who loves his walks and a cuddle or two. Dino is fully vaccinated, microchipped, castrated and blood-tested clear.
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Processionary Caterpillars
They are early risers this year!
If you live in Spain or visit during the spring time, you might have heard people talking about the processionary caterpillars.
What are they? The pine processionary moth flies around May to July and only lives for about one day during which time she must mate and lay its eggs in the foliage of a pine tree. A single female can lay up to 300 tiny eggs and it takes around a month for them to hatch. Once hatched, the minute caterpillars have five growth stages. During their third stage they build the white cotton-wool like nest and continue to feed on the pine leaves until the fifth stage. This usually happens any time from February to April. At this point, the caterpillars (procesionaria del pino) make their way to the ground in a long chain searching for the next place in their life cycle. This behaviour gives them the name of the ‘processionary caterpillar’. You can recognise them by their distinctive orange-brown colour and blue bands.
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Eventually they will disperse to burrow just below the ground where they will pupate. Before this happens they can be a danger to humans and other mammals. It is the hairs of the caterpillars that can cause problems. If they are touched or poked they cause a nasty rash and give off dust that can cause respiratory problems. They are particularly toxic for children and animals. If the caterpillar is stressed or threatened it can eject its hairs which act a little like harpoons and can penetrate or irritate any exposed skin. Dogs are particularly susceptible as they will pick up the hairs on their paws and then lick them as they start to itch. This then leads to the hairs being transferred on to the animal’s tongue and can result in itching, swelling, vomiting and can be life threatening.
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What you should do if you find them?
1. inform the community of owners and they should be removed. In some areas the council will remove them but where this isn’t the case you should engage a specialist. Best not to attempt to move them yourself as it is a job for an expert.
2. If your pet is infected you can usually tell because there will be small white spots in the mouth and on the tongue and the animal will become distressed and possibly drool, in which case go to the vets immediately, where they will probably be given a cortisone injection.
3. Be careful of any nests the caterpillars have left in the trees as they contain hairs that the larvae have left behind. You should not try to cut down the nests or burn them yourself as the hairs can become airborne.
Processionary caterpillars are considered to be a real pest, a threat to the pine trees themselves and, of course, a danger to animals and humans. If you know of someone new to the area who may not be aware, it is worth warning them of the danger.
More information can be found on our website www.pepaspain.com
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Thank you to little Paula, ex PEPA pup
A lady who adopted a PEPA puppy from us 3 years ago has sent PEPA a donation in the name of her dog Paula. A nice short but important article
"Thank you Paula for your lovely donation of 50€ for all the PEPA dogs and pups who haven’t been as lucky as you and are still looking for that special home. It’s very kind of you and I hope you haven’t had to cut down on your treats too much! Woof-woof!!"
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Two avid supporters.............
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Oliva Drama and Cultural Association are delighted to announce that their pantomime for 2017 is 'The Wizard of Oz' The show will be at the Olimpia Theatre in Calle Major on Thursday 16th February at 5.00pm & on Friday 17th February at 8.00pm.
Tickets are priced at just 6€. Bookings by email on olivadramagroup@gmail.com or by phone on 644 889 155 or from Honey Dukes, Calle Major, 29, Oliva
The group wishes all their supporters, friends and members a healthy and prosperous 2017 and are very grateful for the ongoing support and help given to them by the people of Oliva and surrounding areas.
OLIVA Drama & Cultural Association support P.E.P.A. at our yearly fun days.
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...and Mr Punch...
Each year, Claire Wall of Mr Punch in Javea, sells a considerable number of P.E.P.A. Calendars.
Thank you Claire for supporting us and many local animal charities.
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Mr Punch is open Monday to Saturday 9 till 3 for breakfasts, lunches, hot drinks, beers, wines, spirits and soft drinks. Fantastic family atmosphere - animals welcome.
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Message from Colin West of the PEPA shop in Oliva
"I would just like to thank the many people who have left donations of food and cleaning products at our shop, for the Mens Hospice in Gandia. We continue to be the drop off point for any future items donated specifically for the Hospice. Russ West and Jean Hunt took a total of 10 bags recently including the food hamper that I won in the P.E.P.A.charity shop raffle. Once again, thank you."
Colin & Russ do an amazing amount of work for charities, especially P.E.P.A.
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Shopping on line could not be easier!
Purchases made via our website www.pepaspain.com will attract a contribution to P.E.P.A. funds at no extra cost to you.
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Lastly, .....to get you up early in the mornings.......
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The editor welcomes comments on the newsletter and would be delighted to hear from any member or subscriber who wishes to tell a story of animal rescue. True life stories are such an important part of the on line newsletter content
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