Community - page 5

​Mexx  was one of 13 dogs recently rescued by AINF from a Killing station in Northern Spain. In the killing station black ribbons are tied to the cages indicating dogs scheduled to be killed and the dogs are not fed over weekends as it is unstaffed. Mexx had been scheduled to be put down but was saved thanks to generous donations and he is now safe in private kennels awaiting a loving home to go to.

He is only three, although he looks older. He’s a gentle and loving boy and gets on well with both people and other dogs. He has become best friends with another male dog, Mailo and the charity are hopeful that a forever home can be found for Mexx soon allowing him to live out his days safe and loved.

To adopt Mexx or one of the many dogs awaiting their forever home visit: https://www.ainf.gi
Facebook:  Animals In Need Foundation (Adopt a Rescue Dog Gibraltar)

There are a multitude of causes of pruritus (itching) in dogs and it is impossible to cover all of these in one article. Where pruritus is the presenting symptom this condition can be broadly be divided into two categories: one is parasitic and the other is allergic dermatitis.

There are a multitude of causes of pruritus (itching) in dogs and it is impossible to cover all of these in one article. Where pruritus is the presenting symptom this condition can be broadly be divided into two categories: one is parasitic and the other is allergic dermatitis.

Today I shall be dealing primarily with the main cause of allergic dermatitis, which is atopic dermatitis.

The cause of this is allergens in the environment; microscopic molecules that translocate across the skin and result in histamine release mainly by mast cells in the sub-epidermal tissues. This histamine release causes pruritus, therefore the dog scratches itself; this then breaks the skin barrier and damages the skin’s protectant layers allowing bacteria, usually Staphyloccos aureus, to cause a secondary skin infection. These skin infections are often seen as concentric rings and are often confused with ringworm (a fungal infection). This secondary skin infection in itself also causes inflammation and more pruritus, this causes more itching, and therefore a cascade effect is set off. 

When neglected and treatment is not sought promptly enough the problem can escalate, with further yeast infection and often more pathogenic bacteria invading the affected areas. At this point the dog has a particularly pungent odour and you are looking at a long protracted course of treatment to bring the condition under control. 

The equivalent in humans to atopy in dogs, again broadly speaking, is asthma. Due to the different distribution of mast cells in dogs these develop skin problems as opposed to coughing and respiratory problems. In the cat on the other hand feline asthma is particularly common, but that is a topic I will leave for another day. 

The areas of principally affected by atopy in dogs are those with poor coat cover and often areas of increased movement, and it generally first presents when the dog is over a year of age. Most classical sites affected are the groin, axilla, ventral areas, feet and ears. If your dog has recurrent skin problems in the afore mentioned regions then you are more likely than not dealing with an atopic dermatitis and therefore treatment must be tailored at this. 

Another pattern you might notice is you might find that the condition is seasonal; again this can often be correlated very closely with people who suffer from asthma. For example if the flare up is in spring then it is likely to be caused by the increase in pollen in the atmosphere. If the flare up is in colder periods when these allergens are markedly reduced then the condition is most likely to be caused by house allergens, the main culprits being house dust mites. In the winter dogs will seek more warmth and blankets are a great habour for these mites. Keeping the bedding clean is not sufficient: washes have to be at high temperatures to kill the mites otherwise all you are doing is giving the mites a shampoo and blow dry and putting them back. 

Treatment is a relatively simple affair but it will be a minimum of three weeks of aggressive therapy, usually when the dog is presented for treatment the skin is already infected, and skin infections need an obligatory period of three weeks of antibiotics and adjunct medicines, shampoos etc. One of the main shortfalls of treatment is not giving the animals medication for long enough, therefore the problem recurs rapidly and the clients become disenchanted. 

The biggest challenge once the condition is diagnosed is trying to control the illness long term with prophylactic therapy. There are a multitude of options available, there is no specific treatment plan to treat all dogs, and it has to be tailored to each individual case. This varies with the severity of the problem and the response to treatment by each individual animal, so sometimes patience is a virtue. 

Allergic skin dermatitis in dogs is due to many allergens pushing the pet over the allergic threshold, therefore in some cases medication is not needed, possibly by reducing some of the allergic challenge, for example feeding a hypoallergenic diet, may be sufficient to stop the pruritus. Again remember that the problem might be seasonal and therefore what might work in summer might not work in winter or vice versa. 

In summary if your dog has recurrent skin complaints with itching, usually affecting the same regions then your pet is probably suffering from atopic dermatitis and the earlier it is treated the better and the easier it is to manage the problem. 

For more information please phone Gibraltar Vetinary Clinic on 200 77334

Stay & Play programme

The Stay & Play programme had a visit from the Minister for Sport, the Hon. Steven Linares. The Gibraltar Sport and Leisure Authority initiative has had to be significantly adapted owing to COVID-19.

Minister Linares commented he was very happy with what he witnessed first-hand, adding that: “I have always made it a point of visiting the Stay and Play programme several times during the summer and this year has been no different.

The changes that have had to be made due to the current situation have ironically to date improved the delivery of the activities.

“The improvements that have come about will now mean that serious consideration will need to be given to making the current interim model the permanent strategy for the future of the Stay and Play programme.

The feedback from leaders, GSLA management and parents/guardians have all been of a positive and constructive nature. It is a pleasure to see all the children enjoying themselves within well-structured sessions with meaningful content.

“For this I would like to thank the GSLA, Leaders, volunteers and all those who have made this programme a unique success within the context of the difficult times that we are currently experiencing.”

The programme continues until the 26th August and is currently being held at the Bayside Sports Complex Boathouse Activity Centre, the GSLA Accessible Pool, King’s Bastion Leisure Centre and the Alameda Gardens.

JP Appointments

Acting on the advice of the Judicial Service Commission, His Excellency the Governor Vice Admiral Sir David Steel KBE DL has appointed Mr Selvan Raj Soobiah, Mr Ian Gerrard Peate, Mr Brett Dale Bridge, Mr Frederick Francis Pitto, Mr Norbert Nicholas Sene, Ms Maria Antonia Brooks, Ms Lowri Anwen Murphy and Ms Margaret Anita Hutchinson-Smith as Justices of the Peace for Gibraltar.

Eastside Reclamation

GONHS, ESG and GHT recently held a meeting with HMGoG regarding the invitation for expressions of interest in the development of Gibraltar’s Eastside reclamation.

Particular attention was drawn to the practicalities of the site development, namely the movement of rubble and other landscaping and environmental concerns.

The meeting, which lasted over an hour, worked through the concerns and points that the NGOs had on the development of this land and the manner in which Government would like to see it developed.  The groups placed emphasis on the need for a holistic vision for the area. 

Guarantees were given by the Government with regard to the processes involved in selection of any eventual developments and the application of the planning process to any schemes that emerge for this area. These would need to consider any environmental and landscape impact studies and assessments that are carried out as part of the planning process. 

The NGOs underlined that their concerns stemmed from the fact that this is a very large area of real estate and that it is crucial that it be developed in the best possible way for Gibraltar and its community, particularly against the backdrop of Brexit and a worldwide slump as world economies recover from COVID-19.

EasyJet has resumed flights from Bristol to Gibraltar.

The Hon Vijay Daryanani MP, Minister for Tourism said, “I’m delighted to see the return of flights from Bristol to the Rock and it is encouraging to see that easyJet are steadily resuming their schedules to Gibraltar. Connections with the South West region of the UK have grown steadily over the last few years and I know that many of our visitors and Gibraltarians will welcome this.”

HMGoG has issued the following reminder to Gibraltarians:

If you are experiencing COVID-19 Symptoms, you must isolate immediately and call 111.

You must also:

• not go to work
• not socialise
• not visit anyone

Gibraltar has seen a small but incremental increase in confirmed active COVID-19 cases over the last few days. If we are to move to the next phase of Unlocking the Rock and prevent a further lockdown, now is the time to take decisive preventive action. This means being strict about hand washing, social distancing, masking in enclosed public areas, and following the correct protocols if symptoms develop.

If you develop symptoms of COVID-19, you should go home immediately, self-isolate and call 111.

You should not go to a mobile swabbing station, to the Primary Care Centre or to the Hospital. Doing so would put frontline workers and the resilience of these vital services at risk. The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones is to go straight home, isolate, and call 111.

Members of the public who do not have symptoms of COVID-19 and who feel well are encouraged to attend a mobile swabbing station for a test as part of the community screening programme. These tests are free of charge, do not require a prior appointment and are available to anyone over 16 years of age with a valid GHA health card.

The only way to prevent further full lockdowns is to seek out the virus and stamp it out. Full compliance from the public is key. Protect yourself, protect your loved ones and protect your GHA.

For more information and resources visit www.covid.gi

Gibraltar’s new Governor, Vice Admiral Sir David Steel has visited St Bernard’s Hospital and the Primary Care Centre, in one of his first duties on the Rock.

The Governor met with the Minister for Health and Care the Hon Mr Paul Balban, the Principal Secretary Mrs Evelyn Cervan and the Medical Director (Ag) Doctor Krish Rawal. Sir David also had the opportunity of meeting other senior management staff.

The Minister Mr Paul Balban said, “I am delighted and honoured to receive the new Governor H.E. Sir David Steel at St Bernard’s Hospital where we discussed the functions of the GHA in a community such as Gibraltar and be able to share our recent and ongoing COVID experiences”.

New Recruits

Recruit School 2020: (Back Row) Training Officer Nicholas Balbuena (Middle Row L to R) BCO Steven Link, BCO Michael Ballester, BCO Amy Fortunato, BCO Felix Formica-Corsi, BCO Samara Tavares (Front Row L to R) BCO Allan Matto, Chief Executive Officer Aaron Chipol, Compliance Manager William Recagno, BCO Billie Jean Marin.

Robert Daws’ latest crime novel

Gibraltar-phile and friend to many on the Rock, Robert Daws, has signed with a new book publisher, Hobeck Books.

His third novel, Killing Rock, will be published this month and features character DS Tamara Sullivan, who’s been forced to take a secondment with the Royal Gibraltar Police after a career-threatening error of judgement as an officer with the London Met. Throw in a new boss, DCI Gus Broderick, battling his own personal demons, and you have the makings for another riveting Rock-based read.

Round Table Recording

Gibraltar’s branch of the Round Table is celebrating a double-whammy of awards after picking up two gongs from the international organisation.

Round Table is an international organisation with more than 31,000 members in 67 countries. It raises more than £24 million a year for charity, and carries out many community projects worldwide and in some of the poorest areas. 

Gibraltar’s success was two-fold. Round Table Gibraltar was awarded the prestigious “Community Service Project of the Year” for the Southern Europe and Mediterranean region. This is the first time, since the Gibraltar club was chartered in 1978, that it has received this award. This region includes stiff competition in the form of the likes of France, Italy, Switzerland and Morocco and has more than 4,000 members.

The award was given for Round Table Gibraltar’s charitable work throughout the year and specifically for its annual “Texas Hold’em Charity Poker” event, which saw more than 80 participants. 

GibSams was the beneficiary of the money raised.

In addition, local Barrister Nicholas Gomez received the “Round Table International Honour Medal”. This is the first time in history that a Gibraltarian Round Tabler has received this award, which has only been awarded 8 times previously in the organisation’s existence, as special recognition for exceptional service to the organisation and the movement. 

Nicholas works for Charles Gomez & Company and is a PR officer for Round Table Gibraltar.

Graham Cornelissen, Treasurer for Round Table International, presented this award for Nicholas’ legal work in respect of the organisation’s constitutional review and risk assessment/AML procedures, calling it “of critical importance to the whole of Round Table International” and thanked him for his hard work and insight.

Round Table International President Sebastian Walter added that the award was “very well deserved”.

Art Exhibition

Local artist Wanda Bush is exhibiting at John Mackintosh Hall from 1st-10th July in a showing called “For The Glory Of God”. Accompanied by poetry from Janet Pardo, the doors are open from 9am-3pm. Entry is free, but donations are encouraged to Clubhouse Gibraltar..

He is approximately 5 years old and is a real sweetheart who adores being with people. This poor boy was left to starve but thankfully he was rescued and is now receiving professional training while he waits for his forever home!

To adopt Luis or one of the many dogs awaiting their forever home

https://www.ainf.gi  

Facebook:  Animals In Need Foundation (Adopt a Rescue Dog Gibraltar)

Normally at the end of June, we are all ready for a break from the daily grind. The summer term is usually a social whirl of parties, end of clubs, sports days etc. This summer term couldn’t have been more different. As we approach the “summer break” it just feels like another few months of entertaining the children. Whilst that is of course fun, it is also a little daunting. Keeping your child’s routine is more important than ever. Now that lockdown has eased somewhat, socialising your child is much easier. Trips to the beach or the park will help keep them entertained. Whilst there, why not try some of the activities that they enjoy at Playgroup. You could go on a “Bear Hunt” in Commonwealth Park. Or take some construction vehicles to the beach and make a construction site. If you are having a day at home, try some finger painting or make something from one of our Cooking Club videos. And if you just want to sit and have a cup of tea whilst they watch some television, that’s fine too!

Now more than ever it’s important that you take time for yourself. It’s been a long few months, some days I’m sure have been more difficult than others. A well-rested parent means a happy parent, which results in a happy child!

Don’t forget to keep checking our Facebook Page for updates. We are working hard to plan for our return. We hope to see you all again soon. 

Kuyis is a 6 year old bodeguero who is very affectionate and loving. He is great with all other dogs and is really good on the lead, he loves his walks! Please can someone take a chance on this sweet boy who so deserves his forever home.

To adopt Luis or one of the many dogs awaiting their forever home: https://www.ainf.gi   Facebook: Animals In Need Foundation

If you would like to make a donation to our society, please see info below.

The Cetacean Protocol

Although named like a spy mission from a Len Deighton novel, the Cetacean Protocol couldn’t be any more far removed.

British Gibraltar Territorial Waters are home to many fascinating sea creatures, and also forms part of many migratory paths.

The Cetacean Protocol aims to protect cetaceans by restricting the movement of vessels to a safe distance from migrating dolphins and whales.

As the Summer approaches and the spectacle of migration continues, the Environmental Protection & Research Unit will be closely monitoring vessel activity to ensure that the requirements of the Cetacean Protocol are met and  marine species protected from harm. This also includes turtles, sunfish, sharks and seabirds.

Photo credits: Environmental Protection & Research Unit

City Walls Get A Fresh Lick Of Paint

Despite a battering from UV, pollution and sea air, the painted fortification names on Gibraltar’s City Walls have held their own, as they have done for centuries.

A new programme of works has begun to freshen the names and amplify their rightful place in the Rock’s history to both locals and visitors alike.

Priority has been given to some of the worst affected and the before and after photographs of the signs speak for themselves. Amongst them are Couvreport Battery, Prince Albert’s Front, Wellington Front Right Bastion and Raglan’s Battery, where the latter had never been painted previously.

The Minister for Heritage, Prof. John Cortes said, “As part of the 2018 Heritage and Antiquities Act, there are over 120 fortifications that have been afforded protection in law and this is a further example of the importance that Her Majesty’s Government of Gibraltar places on our heritage. 

My Ministry is constantly engaged in ensuring that our prized City walls and fortifications are looked after, for they are intertwined with our social fabric and remind us of our many struggles in the past. They also act as a window to the world that our many visitors to Gibraltar can enjoy.”

COVID call centre

Under Phase 3 of “Unlock The Rock”, the Public Information Call Centre’s phone number operation has reverted to normal office hours. This means it is no longer manned 24 hours a day. The number remains the same, 200 41818.

Jake Torres Social Entrepreneur

Budding social entrepreneur, Jake Torres, is doing his bit to help others through his creativity.

He’s an 8 year-old pupil at St Joseph’s Middle School and has created an illustrated book on Coronavirus, called “Corona Travel”.

Jake has been selling his book in order to help others, including needy children. Some of the charities who are benefiting include Action4schools, Rifcom and Helpmelearnafrica.

The books cost £5 each, and anyone wishing to purchase a copy (or simply donate) should contact Mrs Tyrene Torres on 54002441.

You can also find out more information at action4schools.gi/

Stamp Presentation

The Gibraltar Philatelic Bureau have presented the Chief Minister Fabian Picardo with a set of four stamps, designed by Stephen Perera and illustrated by Karl Ullger, depicting the new St. Anne’s, Notre Dame, St Bernard’s and Bayside and Westside Schools.

Pictured from left to right: Karl Ullger (artist), Aaron Enriles (Managing Director, Gibraltar Philatelic Bureau), Chief Minister Fabian Picardo and Glendon Martinez (Director of Postal Services), in front of Karl Ullger’s original painting.