Welcome

NEW THINGS HAPPENING...

PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN A CURE

My name is SUSAN HOLDSWORTH, I am the founding member of FIRST AID FOR DOGS SOUTH AFRICA in 2009.

I compiled the first books in South Africa creating an awareness and assisting pet owners and people working with dogs if there is a medical emergency or what action should be taken as a first responder. All the material and information for my books has been approved by Specialist Veterinary Physicians.

The South African Guide to First Aid for Dogs (2011)
Emergency First Aid for your Pet (2012) First edition
Emergency First Aid for your Pet (2019) Second edition
Emergency First Aid for your Pet (2022) Third edition
South African Guide to First Aid for Cats (2019)
Beauty and Benefits of Owning a Senior Dog (2020)
Prevent that Bite (2022)
Marley Says….. (2024)

It was during my twelve years promoting and running seminars, that it came to my attention that children are not being educated on the basics of respect and care for all animals, therefore resulting in the potential of an attack by a dog or cruelty towards animals. This tragedy could be avoided by the awareness that all animals are sentient beings with feelings and emotions. My main aim therefore is to put an end to the perpetuated cruelty and abuse of animals.

To this end I have conceptualised two books for all children and their families.

MARLEY SAYS…. named after my Labrador Marley. A colouring book with hand drawn pictures (by a local artist) that depict the right and wrong actions to not only treat animals but to also recognise when an animal is being maltreated. Each drawing has a simple explanation in English, Afrikaans, Xhosa and Zulu. (12 pages)
PREVENT THAT BITE This book has detailed information and pictures giving advice to both children and parents which could prevent a tragedy by creating awareness and alerting the parent of potential imminent disaster. (16 pages)

I have partnered up with a gentleman by the name of Siyabonga Mbukutshe, his hometown in deep rural Eastern Cape is Ntabankulu. Siyabonga grew up in an environment where animals were not respected or understood hence his dream to change these perceptions through education.

Siyabonga's history includes a National Diploma in Nature Conservation, Project Management 1 and then trained and worked at SPCA Inspectorate for seven years. Siyabonga has conducted Environmental Education in schools while working for Eskom (KZN) and celebrated the environmental calendar by planting trees in schools.

During his 47 years, Siyabonga has witnessed many gruesome and cruel incidents to animals in both the poorer areas and townships around Cape Town, RSA. Young people were responsible for the majority cases.

Both Siyabonga and myself want to hold fun workshops and talk to children in the townships and Government schools. We will be using the aid of MARLEY SAYS , colouring book, a packet of wax crayons, paw moulds to be made into fridge magnets, bottle of water, and more. My big Labrador Marley will assist to show that not all dogs just want to bite children. Refreshments to be provided. Siyabonga's aim is to visit approximately 40 schools a year to hold one hour workshops. Schools approached have shown great enthusiasm as this programme does not form part of their curriculum. He says unfortunately that my book…. PREVENT THAT BITE cannot be used in these locations as majority of the parents and children have not learnt to read, therefore MARLEY SAYS…… will have more impact.

I will hold one hour workshops in other schools, libraries and church meetings in two parts

Donations are urgently required as ideally Siyabonga and myself really want to begin as soon as possible.,

Donations would be used to cover the costs of the make up of the books paw stickers, colouring stickers, crayons, advertising, travel expenses, refreshments for the children, cell phone airtime and miscellaneous costs. (R65,000 +),

Our ultimate dream and goal is to be able to enrol other people to assist us NATIONWIDE.

COURSES

COURSE FIRST AID FOR YOUR DOG
REFRESHER COURSE…

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COURSE FIRST AID FOR YOUR DOG
LEVEL ONE….

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BOOKS

EMERGENCY FIRST AID FOR YOUR PET
second edition

EMERGENCY FIRST AID FOR YOUR PET
third edition

THE BEAUTY AND BENEFITS OF OWNING A SENIOR DOG

PREVENT THAT BITE

COURSE FIRST AID FOR YOUR DOG
PETSITTERS

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CHILDREN COURSE TWO
Aged EIGHT to TWELVE

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FIRST AID FOR YOUR CATS

CHILDREN COURSE ONE
Aged FOUR TO SEVEN

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PERSONALISED COURSES AVAILABLE FOR SECURITY COMPANIES

CONTENT APPLYING TO YOUR POTENTIAL EMERGENCIES

CREDIT CARD FACILITIES AVAILABLE

EFT BANK PAYMENT CAN BE MADE ON BOOKING

WELCOME
First Aid For Dogs & Cats

INTRODUCTION

“HE IS YOUR FRIEND, YOUR PARTNER, YOUR DEFENDER, YOUR DOG. YOU ARE HIS LIFE, HIS LOVE, HIS LEADER. HE WILL BE YOURS, FAITHFUL AND TRUE. TO THE LAST BEAT OF HIS HEART. YOU OWE IT TO HIM TO BE WORTHY OF SUCH DEVOTION.” - unknown

It is our responsibility as owners, of these amazing animals, to look after them unconditionally as is their love for us! Giving them shelter, food and love is not enough anymore. We as humans have become more conscious and aware of the results of a healthy diet with suitable exercise routines. Therefore our dogs can also be influenced by this healthy outlook and we can work towards giving them quality of life and prevent problems before they start.

Advances in veterinary medicine over the last twenty years has ensured our valued pets may receive the same quality of attention as humans. These animals now have access to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology, computed tomography (CAT or CT) scans, orthodontics, chemotherapy and radiation to treat cancer. The advances include pain management, surgical techniques and tools, anaesthesia, nutrition, diagnostic techniques and equipment, vaccination protocol, cancer treatment and also the availability of alternative medicine. Physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, animal psychology, behaviour experts, homeopathic medicine and more is now available for our pets.

We must work with our veterinarians to ensure our dogs live a long, healthy and happy life. As owners of dogs, we must have the knowledge and confidence to apply first aid when an emergency occurs. The time taken getting an injured or very sick dog to a veterinarian could make the difference between life and death.

These books have been written to help you take the best possible care of your dog so that the two of you will share a long, lasting, healthy and loving relationship.

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