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A 2012 RVC graduate, Daniella is the Principle Exotics Vet at ParkVet Hospital and is studying towards a certificate in Zoological Medicine. She said: "Despite their amazing work, the AWF struggles for funds to continue its vital work, so I have decided not only to be the first ever person to run the London Marathon for the AWF, but to run it in costume!
"Those who know me will be aware that running is not among my favourite activities, but I am stepping up to the challenge to raise much-needed funds for this fantastic charity that’s making a real, tangible difference to animals worldwide."
"Working full time in clinical practice, including being part of an out-of-hours rota, means training must be factored in with military precision: so far, some of my longer runs are planned for 4 am!
"I also entered the Hastings Half Marathon on 18 March, and my final training run prior to the big day is scheduled for when I will be in Queensland, Australia for my brother’s wedding.
"If I can manage 22 miles in those hot and humid conditions, the London Marathon should be a breeze!”
Chris Laurence. AWF Chair of Trustees, said: "I am delighted that Daniella has chosen to raise funds for AWF in what is arguably one of the biggest sporting events in the world. On behalf of the organisation, I’d like to thank her for her support and wish her all the best for the marathon."
To support Daniella’s fundraising, visit: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/DaniellaDosSantos
For updates on her training and to find out more about AWF, visit www.bva-awf.org.uk
Graham, 72, who worked at Westover Veterinary Centre in Norfolk for 40 years, set off on his bike from his home in Crostwick last week. He aims to complete the journey in two years, following a route that will take him through Western Europe and into Greece before flying to Ethiopia and cycling through Kenya, where he spent eight years as a government veterinary officer in his early career. He will then follow the Indian Ocean down the African continent's east coast to Cape Town.
Graham said: "I’m no stranger to life on the road – my first job on qualifying was as a field vet in Kenya which I did for eight years. This will be a real adventure though as I am definitely not an accomplished cyclist, however I look forward to the challenge and to raising money for AWF. The route may change slightly as the trip goes along, but that’s down more to government travel advice than my decision - for example, although not currently on my route, I would still like to cycle through Egypt to give a lecture or two, however we’ll need to see what’s possible."
Graham cycled via London to join the annual AWF Discussion Forum in Westminster, attended by other vets, parliamentarians and key stakeholders from the sector, before continuing his cycle to the English south coast with TV vet Emma Milne. Along the way Graham will also be working with equine charitable organisations including the Brooke, SPANA and World Horse Welfare, giving equine welfare and dentistry talks, as well as occasionally returning to the UK to lecture and attend AWF Trustee meetings.
If you would like to sponsor Graham and donate to AWF, or simply find out more about his trip through his regular blog posts, visit vetduncdares.wordpress.com.
The Animal Welfare Foundation (AWF) has produced a leaflet which guides pet owners through the euthanasia decision making process.
The leaflet 'Saying goodbye - the ultimate kindness' explains why euthanasia may be the most caring option, the choices owners have, the different ways euthanasia may be performed and what happens next. It also addresses the emotions owners may go through when deciding to put their pet down.
AWF Chairman Tiffany Hemming said: "As vets we often see pet owners struggle with letting their pet go. Guilt may be the strongest emotion owners feel when deciding to put their pet down. We wanted to guide owners through this difficult time in a sensitive way and encourage them to ask questions and work with the vet to help them come to terms with the end of their pet's life.
"While the leaflet is aimed at pet owners we hope vets find it a useful communication tool during this distressing time for their clients."
To see all AWF leaflets including 'Pre- and post-operative care', 'Pet travel', 'Pets and poisons', and 'What makes my pet happy' visit http://www.bva-awf.org.uk/pet-care-advice.
Practices can order batches of the leaflets for clients in return for a donation to AWF by contacting bva-awf@bva.co.uk.
The Animal Welfare Foundation (AWF) has unveiled a new brand identity and fresh new website design to kick-start its 30th anniversary celebrations.
According to the charity, market research had shown that most respondents thought its old logo was unrecognisable. The new one aims to strengthen the charity's identity by making it more visually appealing and by representing the wide range of species the charity covers in its research funding, information leaflets and its advice to vets.
The new website remains at www.bva-awf.org.uk and combines the new logo with a fresh design to help guide vets, researchers and the public to the relevant resources and information quickly.
New features include a revised grants section which now includes a list of past and present projects and advice to guide potential grants recipients through the application process. To emphasise the Foundation's reliance on donations and legacies the donation button has been made more prominent and the new site also contains case studies which help veterinary students work through welfare dilemmas.
The charity's unique selling point and strapline 'The charity led by the veterinary profession' is also clearly displayed to further strengthen the AWF brand.
AWF Chair Dr Tiffany Hemming said: "We have tried to make the site as appealing, well-structured and easy to navigate as possible to show off all our areas of activity and to encourage use of our excellent resources.
"In the year of our 30th anniversary I am pleased to have this fresh new image to help us stay in people's minds where animal welfare is concerned, whether it is a veterinary practice wanting to provide clients with easy-to-understand leaflets, a researcher looking for funding or a member of the public who has heard of our initiatives and resources.
"We have more exciting plans in the pipeline to celebrate AWF at 30 so visit the website and look out for more information."
BVA President Peter Jones added: "With a strong new brand and website I hope AWF becomes an increasingly popular destination for vets in particular and for the general public with its simple and practical advice for everyone concerned with animal welfare.
"I also hope that the profession will find renewed enthusiasm for its own animal welfare charity which needs to attract donations to continue its work to promote animal welfare through research, education and debate."
The British Veterinary Association's Animal Welfare Foundation has produced an online advice leaflet to guide veterinary surgeons through the possible scenarios in the consulting room.
'The practical and legal approach to the docked puppy' leaflet answers questions like:
Introducing the leaflet BVA AWF Chair Tiffany Hemming said: "With such complex and varying laws on tail docking of dogs this leaflet provides clear guidance for vets on how to handle the first consultation with a docked puppy.
"The leaflet includes an easy to follow flow-chart and aims to help vets tackle the subject without alienating their clients."
You can view the leaflet here.