Buchter News » issue 223

HOUSE TRAINING A DOG

admin — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 16:17:23 +0000

You will need:
• A crate only large enough for the dog to stand up and turn around comfortably in
• Schedule for going outside
• Treats for whenever you go outside with the dog
• Good observing skills to prevent accidents
• Patience!

A) Crate
The dog/puppy must be crated whenever you’re away or can’t actively supervise (e.g., when you’re busy around the house, sleeping, etc.) This will make him hold on so that you can have a success outside later. If you find the dog/ puppy is soiling his crate, the likelihood is that the crate is too large: she can use part of it as a toilet OR she is being kept in the crate too long.

B) Schedule
You must provide the dog/ puppy with a set schedule for eating and for going outside. If you are away for longer than 4 hours, have someone come to the house to take him out. Optimally, there is always someone at home during the housetraining period. A typical schedule looks like this:
1. First thing in the morning
2. A few minutes after each meal. This is often when dogs/puppies will have to poop. You will discover your own pet’s rhythm.
3. For puppies: every hour on the hour. Take the puppy outside on leash for five minutes in a small area. Always return to the same spot so he begins to associate the area with its purpose. Don’t interact with the puppy. Have a play period once he is finished. If nothing happens after five minutes, bring him back into the house and crate him for another thirty minutes. Then try again. If he does eliminate, he may have a free period in the kitchen or confinement area, or, better yet, a nice walk. This acts as an added bonus for performing.
4. During the night. A very young pup (6-7 weeks) may need to go out once during the night.

C) Treats
Every time your dog/puppy eliminates outside, lavish him with enthusiastic praise during the act and follow with an extra special treat (e.g., a small piece of cheese or hot dog). If you find that the praise makes him stop in the middle of eliminating, save it until just after she finishes.

D) Good Observing Skills
Your dog/puppy will give off signals that he needs to eliminate. It’s essential that you learn what these are so you can prevent mistakes. Common behaviours include circling, restlessness & sniffing. Whenever you see these, take the dog out!

E) Patience
Don’t lose your cool. Especially with puppies, many dogs will have accidents, especially in the beginning of training. Since your puppy will be supervised at all times when loose in the house, you will be able to provide the proper feedback as the dog begins to eliminate or, even better, take him out before he even starts (see “good observing skills…” above). If you catch him starting to eliminate inside, interrupt him with a sharp sound. This may even prevent him from finishing. Urgently say “outside” and then get the puppy there as quickly as possible. Stay outside for the 5-minute period and praise & treat if he finishes eliminating. If not, bring him back inside and either supervise or crate him for another try later. If the dog/puppy has an accident in the house or in the crate and you did not see it happen, NEVER punish him after the fact. Simply clean up the spot and then apply a commercial odour neutralizer or 50% vinegar to water. This will help prevent a certain location from smelling like an “indoor toilet”. Most importantly after any accident, try to supervise more closely in future and/or add another outing to your schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions
What do I do if there is no one to come home while I’m at work to let him out after 4 hour? Try to find a doggy day-care that can provide your puppy with the attention he requires during the first 4 months. The more accidents that go without feedback, the longer it will take to housetrain.
I follow the schedule but my puppy urinates several times an hour in the house! Is he normal?
Have your veterinarian check whether the puppy has a urinary tract infection.
My puppy is four months old and still having frequent accidents. Help!
He has too much unsupervised, loose time in the house. Remember that each time he eliminates in the house without being caught, he is being de-trained. Tighten up your regime. I want my dog to eventually go outside but I’m confused. Should / paper-train first and then later train him to go outside?
If you have access to the outdoors and your goal is for the dog to eliminate there, paper training is unnecessary. It’s easier on the dog to not first teach him that it is okay to eliminate inside and then later change the rules.

CANCER ASSOCIATION

admin — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 16:04:25 +0000

Our prayers go out to Tina Jonker who is in Windhoek at the moment. Your strength, your courage, will bring us, our victory….
Olivia Lunguti, our prayers are with you after your operation. Remember to keep up your spirits for the treatment.

We would like to thank the following people and organizations for assisting us.
• Neo Paints for the transporting of Kimbies, Food Supplement and other items needed by us.
• Venita Nolte for organizing the transport for us.
• “Friends Who Care” for their quarterly donations – you are a cornerstone in our organization.
• The public and organizations that purchased apples. A big thank you for caring, even in this financial crisis.

The total apples sold in Namibia was 550 000 Luderitz apples were:
- Private sales 3 192
- School children 5 149

Unfortunately the mobile unit that came to Luderitz on a yearly basis to do the “papsmear” will no longer be available. The unit will be used to reach out to ladies who live in areas where they do not get frequent access to hospitals or clinics. We care for them as well and many of them have not had the opportunity in the past to go for their yearly checkup. However, all is not lost for us, as Drs. Marais, Petzer and Kalamo have promised to take on this enormous responsibility and ensure that the yearly “papsmear” will continue. Dates and places will be advertised. Please remember that our sunscreen, food supplements, kimbies, etc are a lot cheaper and you should take advantage of this as these items are expensive if bought privately. The fondue has been postponed and not put off at this stage. Dates will be sent out at a later stage…watch this space I would like to thank Elize du Toit and Melinda Nel who are forever running around and organizing events, functions, etc. Keep up the good work as you are the ones that people turn to when in need. Well done ladies!

An event for remembering:

Reach for Recover Knitting Day

On this day we sell a knitting kit that contains yarn, knitting needle and a breast awareness pamphlet for N$ 30, 00. We encourage all knitters – young and old, beginner and novice, ladies and gents to join us at the venue and to knit a square. All knitted squares will be collected, sewn together and donated to breast cancer sufferers. Is this done is Luderitz and will you support such an event?

BREAK THE SILENCE

admin — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 15:54:01 +0000

BTS facts: If you‘ve just been diagnosed with HIV you’re probably feeling anxious about what you need to do. Here are some guidelines to make it easier.

• Have regular check-ups to monitor the progression of your HIV infection. Go to your local clinic or a private doctor who has expertise in HIV/AIDS. (I would advise going to a state Hospital and speaking too a doctor or councillor) • Have your CD4 count checked, HIV can’t be cured, but it can be treated with anti– retroviral medication. • Take a good daily multivitamin supplement. • Find out more about the virus; HIV itself does not kill, it is the related illness that can be fatal, so please stop drinking and smoking at once. • And at all time use condoms, because you can re -infect your self with the virus. Please do not have sex without a condom

Until next time!

THE LAST WORD

admin — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 15:43:16 +0000

By Justin Braby
The Damara Tern Sterna balaenarum is arguably the smallest and most unique of the terns. It migrates to the coastlines of Namibia, Angola and South Africa during southern hemisphere summer to breed. It spends the winter in West African countries like Ghana and Nigeria. As only 2% of the world population of Damara Terns breed outside of Namibia, it is considered to be an endemic to our country. Damara Terns breed in loose, isolated colonies on the desert mainland. They nest on saltpans or gravel plains between dunes. The world population of Damara Terns makes up only 7000 individuals. This small population has captured the attention of conservation authorities. It is currently Near Threatened on the Red Data List of Species created by the IUCN. As the vast majority of Damara Terns breed in Namibia, the country has become almost solely responsible for the survival of the species. It is Specially Protected under the draft Parks and Wildlife Management Bill of 2002. It has also become a flagship species along the Namibian coast due to its unique biology and behaviour. A flagship species is usually a popular, charismatic species that serves as a symbol and rallying point to stimulate conservation awareness and action. The densest breeding population of Damara Terns is found along the central coast of Namibia, in the gravel plains amongst the dunes between Walvis Bay and Swakopmund. Due to increased human disturbance here, the breeding success has become dangerously low. Very little was previously known about breeding populations along the southern coast of Namibia, known as the Sperrgebiet. The last two breeding seasons I have spent monitoring the breeding colonies in the Sperrgebiet as part of my Doctorate in Zoology. This project was initiated to assess the possible impact mining disturbance may have on the breeding productivity and population dynamics of the Damara Tern. The project was broadened because of the collection of new and interesting data on Damara Tern breeding and behaviour. In addition, colonies that were previously estimated as harboring only small numbers of breeding terns in fact harbored much greater numbers. The breeding colony at Hottentot’s Bay was estimated at 20 nests; this season my assistant and I found a minimum of 186 nests on the pan. Elizabeth Bay, the colony that has required the most focus due to mining, has yielded interesting results too. The number of nests has decreased here from 13 nests last season to only 4 nests this season. Mining impacts here may be due to sediment release into the bay rendering it difficult for adults to find and catch fish and in turn being able to feed their chicks. The data collection phase of this project has come to an end and now this data needs to be analyzed to assess the possibility of impacts. The essence of this project reflects the notion that the Damara Tern will become a flagship species of the Sperrgebiet National Park, much like the Brown Hyena and the African Penguin.

CRAYFISH FESTIVAL

admin — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 14:11:47 +0000

The biggest event in the Lüderitz Calendar took the town by storm in the form of the second ever Crayfish Festival. Held over the long Easter weekend, beginning on the 9th April and ending on the 12th, the festival was both a chance for local businesses and talent to showcase themselves, and an excuse for the good, the bad and the ugly amongst us to stuff their bellies to bursting point with food and drink. Our roving reporter took to the stands to find out just what exactly went on. Whilst various events happened all over town the majority of the festival took place at the Waterfronts Harbour Square and it is here that I headed to catch the best of the fest. Stalls crowded the spacious waterside square all selling a delicious array of braai meat, cakes, ice cream, traditional Ovambo dishes and of course seafood. Walking amongst the hustle and bustle of the festival, absorbing the smells of spiced chops and fresh calamari, hearing the sizzle of crayfish on the grill and the sight of tables groaning under the weight of cool drinks and cakes, it has never been more evident how important food is in creating a Namibian event, nor how expert they are at cooking it. In addition to the refreshments available there was also the Lüderitz SME Expo which gave local businesses a chance to show off their wares; hand made jewellery, real leather sandals, traditional Herero dresses and woven baskets and mats, were just a few of the goods available to browse and purchase, showing off the versatility of the Bucht community. However, on Saturday the 11th the majority of the crowds attention was focused inside a large tent which took up a third of the space in Harbour Square. Inside crowds waited with bated breath, nervously watching the entrance for the arrival of the guest of honour, the First Lady herself. Dressed in a stylish suit of light blue and silver and delicately adorned with a pink carnation, Madam Penehupifo Pohamba was every bit the perfect guest as she applauded the live music of UNAM and LSS choirs (see page 16 for more info) and graciously declared the festival…begun! Buchter highlights: One of the most impressive additions to this months festival were the ‘Crayfish Ambassadors’, a troupe of over 40 young people dressed in bright orange, who dotted and darted through the crowd organising stalls, keeping the peace, picking up the inevitable piles of litter and naking sure the toilets were kept clean; a fantastic show of organisation from the festivals committee and from Lüderitz’s proud youth.

WHAT DOES THE FESTIVAL MEAN FOR LÜDERITZ?

‘Lüderitz is one of those places that has everything’ said Hon Councillor Mr David Schoombe as he stood amongst Ministers and Council members from across Namibia, and, from the ideas in almost every speech given throughout the Crayfish Festival, it is clear that the annual four day event is hoped to continue to make Lüderitz the place to be. In a speech to the general public on the Saturday of the festival her Worship Ms Emilia Amupewa, clad in a fetching loose green dress with gold print and small patent leather pumps, remarked that the Crayfish festival was designed to “showcase the beauty of this town, explore business opportunities, stimulate regional growth and lure more visitors”. This is the idea emulated by Mr Dawid
Boois, the Regional Councillor for the Karas region, who gave the following interview: What was the purpose of the Crayfish Festival? The festival is designed to encourage and motivate economic growth from small and medium businesses within the community as well as helping to boost tourism in the area. Do you think that the festival will have a wider impact not just on Lüderitz but on the rest of Namibia as well? Yes, I believe that the festival will help to benefit those across Namibia who have helped with marketing and resources. I also think that if we manage to adequately market the event we may attract more overseas visitors each year. How do you think the tourist industry has changed over the last few years? I feel that it has grown enormously; Lüderitz itself is definitely the fastest developing town in the Karas region and has seen the creation of the Waterfront and numerous guesthouse in its recent history. I think with the opening of the Sperrgebiet Lüderitz’s industry can only increase further. Do you think then, that Lüderitz will not be negatively affected by the global credit
crunch? With its ideal location and unique landscape Lüderitz holds the biggest tourist attraction in Southern Namibia and I believe that this status is unlikely to change over the next few years. I predict that within 2 years the tourism industry will have taken over from mining as the biggest producer of income in Lüderitz. Finally, do you like crayfish? Unfortunately I am allergic to shellfish but I do have a weak spot for Hake!

OIL SPILL CAUSES WIDESPREAD DAMAGE TO INDIGENOUS PENGUIN POPULATION

admin — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 13:16:32 +0000

A large oilslick has been discovered along the coastline near Lüderitz and has already caused serious damage to the colony of African Penguins that are native to this area of Namibia. A small scale clean-up plan has been implemented in order to remove the damaging substance from affected penguins and prevent more of the colony from being contaminated. This is the largest oil related disaster in Namibian history. A sad scene met the eyes of the observer as they walked into the main yard of the Marine Fisheries building; huddled in cages and crates were over a hundred little black and white bodies, many of which were stained a muddy brown with oil; a terrible example of the destructive capabilities of the human over nature. The oil spill was discovered on the Wednesday before the Easter Weekend when the first affected penguin was
found. Since then the number of birds have steadily increased to over 150. The oil now surrounds Halifax
Island, where the main bulk of the colony is based, meaning that the final number of affected birds could be anything between one and twenty thousand. At present it is assumed that the source of the oil is a boat wreck in Mea Bay which could be leaking oil from a corroded fuel tank. However the quality of oil discovered does not share the characteristics of the diesel fuel normally used in small boats which makes it unlikely that the spill came from a local vessel. It has been suggested instead that the leak may have came from a larger boat further out at sea and that the oil has then drifted towards the Namibian coastline over the past few weeks. There is currently a clean-up operation taking place run by local seabird biologist Dr. Jessica Kemper. Volunteers have been washing oil from damaged birds by hand before they are taken down to a rehabilitation unit based in Cape Town where the penguins must re-learn how to groom and feed themselves. Kemper has appealed to the Namibian Nature Foundation for much needed funds in order to cover the costs of the penguin food. This has already set her back a huge N$42 000 and is set to increase as
the number of affected birds continues to rise. The evacuation of the birds to the Cape Town rehabilitation centre and the special soap, which is designed to remove oil from feathers and fur, adds on to costs. On Monday 20th April a truckload of 129 penguins, all of which travelled in cardboard boxes, set off for Cape
Town, miraculously all arriving in one piece the following day. The sum of N$20 000 has already been raised for the cause and Marco Fishing has generously been donating free fish to help feed the remaining penguins in Lüderitz. The Ministry of Fisheries is still trying to trace the source of the oil spill but at the time that this article went to print there was not a concrete plan to begin removing the pollutant from the coastline. Although both Namport and the Ministry of Works are partially responsible for ensuring that the oil gets
cleared, each organisation has commented that they have too little information on the spill at present to know which method of cleaning they should use. Mr Nangolo, the head of the Ministry of Works, visited Lüderitz on Friday 17th April following the report of the oil spill, and confirmed that whilst there is a National Oil Spill Contingency plan, which is designed to be put in place during situations like this one, no such plan has yet been implemented along Lüderitz’s coastline. Mr Nangolo also agreed that it was possible that the pollutant was leaked from a passing vessel, a hugely illegal practice which makes the source of the oil spill very difficult to trace. The necessary equipment needed to clean oil spills, including dispersant, is presumed to be kept in Namport’s Lüderitz offices although there have been suggestions that this equipment no longer exists. Namport has neither confirmed nor denied these rumours and will hopefully begin a clean up operation in the near future. A big thank you goes out to all those who helped to clean and feed the oily penguins and to everyone that donated money, time or equipment to saving the birds and getting them down to Cape Town.

OILY BIRDS- THE DAMAGE IS DONE

Oil is one of the most harmful substances that comes into contact with marine life, not only does it cling to almost every surface it comes in contact with, including rock, seaweed, fur and feathers, but it is also highly toxic when ingested which can often prove to be fatal. However unfortunately the damage does not end there for penguins- the only method of cleaning the oily birds involves scratching their bodies which destroys the interlocking nature of their feathers thus rendering their waterproof hides useless. These birds must then be encouraged to groom themselves again before their coats can one again retain to their original quality.

UNAM CONCERT

admin — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 12:43:54 +0000

A spectacular concert in the YACC’s German Hostel marked the end of a thoroughly productive (and busy) Crayfish festival weekend ’09. UNAM Choir, hailing from the University of Namibia, and Lüderitz Secondary School’s very own student choir combined on Sunday the 12th April to put on an evening of vocal treats. After the inevitable opening blessings and speeches (it was a gospel choir concert after all) the performance began with the clean tuneful notes of a lone trumpeter, soon joined by a tenor soloist and eventually accompanied by the warm harmony of the combined choirs. Whilst this was certainly a dramatic beginning it was unfortunately then followed by a bizarre mix of soloists and small a capella groups who shuffled on and off stage in a manner reminiscent of a variety showcase. However, all this was soon forgotten when L.S.S. Choir took to the stage. In simple outfits of grey and white the 30+ strong choir stood before their audience marching in place and piping out tune after tune. Although some members were slightly preoccupied with the intricate foot and hand movements that accompanied each song the choir had all the right components needed for gospel music; rich harmonies, accurate sense of rhythm and movement, the right level of enthusiasm and so on. However the key to gospel music is volume; it must be sung out joyfully and watching the swaying choir was like listening to an excellent CD with the volume turned down- TURN IT UP! UNAM certainly did know how to blast it out though as they marched on stage and stood like a wall of crimson and zebra print ready to dazzle the crowd. The semiprofessional choir opened with a haunting version of Steal Away which was so beautiful that it commanded one of those rare moments of silence once the song had ended in which the audience tries to digest what it has just heard. “[The choir’s] response to the conductor was so slick it was like watching a set of cogs clicking together” said one audience member as the choir reeled off a series of traditional gospel songs in a sweet and less abrasive style that gospel choirs normally have. Using elements of the jazz scale and some unusual barbershop-esque suspensions, the choir put gospel music in a whole new light the perfect end to a hectical
weekend.

GORDON’S DRY GIN

admin — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 12:35:14 +0000

By Anne Stokvis
In the 17th century King Willem III of Orange brought the Dutch Genever (a gin made with different herbs) to England. At the same time the English Government imposed a heavy duty on all imported spirits but still allowed Gin to be produced. This created a market for poor-quality grain which was not useful for brewing beer and thousands of gin shops opened up throughout England. Because of the cheapness it became a popular drink among the poor and the Gin production became six times bigger than that of beer. In the next centuries it became a well known mix drink for all sort of people. Gin is used as a base for the famous Martini cocktail but most of us know it from the Gin and Tonic drink which was used as a medicine in the early
days. Tonic water contains quinine which helps to prevent Malaria. People added Gin to this medicine because the bitter taste of the quinine complements the green notes of the Gin. Although the consumption of tonic water currently has less medical use than it once did, gin and tonic remains a popular drink. Served over ice with a slice of lemon it is the perfect refreshments during the warmer months. Without the collaboration between the Dutch and the Brit’s Gin wouldn’t exist and be the popular spirit that it is now a days. Especially Gordon’s Gin with a consumption of two bottles per second! We have to give it a 9 out of 10, not only for the taste but also for the history that it carries.

BAY VIEW REVIEW

admin — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 12:28:23 +0000

The word on everybody’s lips this April has been crayfish so it is only fitting that we sampled a little bit of this scarlet seafood, and where better to munch some lunch than at the ocean-themed Bay View Hotel. Located on Bismark St the Bay View Hotel is a single story building painted with the seaside colours of white and blue. Sitting under a canopy at one of the restaurants outdoor tables, enjoying the open air and the blue swimming pool at your feet and catching a glimpse of several palm trees from behind the rooftops one could almost imagine that they are reclining on a tropical beach somewhere. The hotel boasts an a la carte menu which offers a mix of meat and fresh seafood as well as a selection of desserts, including the unusual baked apple pudding. The central pool area that the majority of the rooms open onto also has a braai area which is lit regularly in order to provide customers with freshly grilled meat. Fresh Crayfish served with rice and salad, N$150 for 500g- Bay View earn top marks for presentation as the plate arrived with 6 half-crayfish arranged on a bed of rice like a crimson star. The meat itself is completely fresh and, as the seafood has been cooked in nothing but its own juices, tastes completely natural, flavoured only by the delicate traces of salt water. A perfect dish for one who is watching their weight (particularly as the dish also comes decorated with several large green lettuce leaves) but for those who prefer a bit more variation of taste I would suggest the addition of a sauce or dressing to accompany the meat. The accompanying salad comes with fresh pepper and cherry tomatoes and is covered with a nice light dressing, a difficult thing to find in Lüderitz! Chicken Caesar Salad with honey mustard dressing, N$50- I love a good chicken salad, there’s something very satisfying about the combination of crispy lettuce and grilled chicken that not only tastes good but doesn’t make you feel guilty of your calorie count the second it’s digested. Bay View’s salad has all the right elements and comes with some extra surprisespieces of apple, cherry tomatoes and a delicious creamy dressing that counteracts the harshness that the diced raw onion can create. A nice light lunch on a warm day.

If you would like to put our taste buds to the test and be reviewed by The Buchter News please contact us on info@buchternews.com

KOLMANSKOP TO RECEIVE A DOSE OF CULTURE

admin — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 12:15:39 +0000

Having finally acquired a much sort after contract for House 7 in Kolmanskop Giel du Toit, of Nampho Art, is planning to create a link between House 7 and Studio 7 in Windhoek, home to the work of well known Angolan photographer Tony Figueira. “It will be the first Smart Partnership made in Southern Namibia” said a proud du Toit, which will not only help local artists to establish themselves but will also provide them with links to other
Smart Partners all over Namibia. In addition du Toit is also hoping to hold an exhibition in House 7 as part of Bank Windhoek’s Art Festival Program which will take place some time in May. Additional events may take place in the Turnhalle and the German Hostel and the official launch of the program will be in early June.