< Previous50 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY PETS Until the social distancing rules were recently changed to allow people out of their homes more than once a day to exercise, dogs were limited to just one walk a day. For a lot of dogs, that’s just not enough and we don’t need to tell you how antsy dogs can get when they haven’t had enough exercise. With many workers being placed on furlough or, in some circumstances, loosing their income entirely, looking after a pet become more of a financial burden. Consequently, many families have been forced to make the tough decision of getting rid of their pets. On the other side of the equation, some have used the excuse of lockdown and all that extra free time as an excuse to get a new pet. In fact, figures show that Brits have been buying new pets in record numbers. While it might have seemed like a good idea in the short- term, it does reveal a lack of foresight and shows more than a little recklessness. What happens to the pooch or kitty when the owner has to go back to their workplace? Perhaps the adage “A dog’s not just for Christmas” should be updated to “A dog’s not just for lockdown”. Of course, the lockdown continues to ease and even before this issue hit the printers, non-essential shops were once again open, and some semblance of normality is returning to our everyday lives. But what does this mean for our pets? One of the biggest challenges facing pet owners – particularly dog owners – is getting their four-legged friend used to a normal routine again. This isn’t without its challenges given that the lockdown has upended everyone’s lives for nigh on three months. “In order to get pets used to a normal routine again, it is important to gradually leave the house for a longer period and show them that their owners will always return home,” said Sarah Ross, Companion Animal Expert at Global animal welfare organisation Four Paws. “With insecure dogs that have previously had to leave supposedly safe homes or have lost an important person, even a temporary separation can lead to behavioural problems. With the right post-lockdown The lockdown has been hard on all of us and that very much includes the furred and feathered friends we share our homes with. So how can pet-owners help their companions ease into life after lockdown? © Shutterstock /FamV eld Pets 50-51.qxp_Layout 1 29/06/2020 09:15 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 51 PETS training, fear of separation that often manifests itself through destructive behaviour like damaging furniture, barking and yelping until the owner returns, or depression as a result of loneliness, can be prevented.” It should come as no surprise that cats are better adept at coping with situations such as these and, by and large, don’t tend to exhibit the same behavioural problems as dogs. While Sarah admits that cats often enjoy the attention and closeness of their families, most of them are independent and therefore structure their days themselves. However, she said that they can benefit from a few exercise sessions. Curmudgeonly as they can often be, it will no doubt come as a surprise to cats to suddenly be faced with an empty or near empty house after months of all the family being home. Perhaps the biggest challenge that pet-owners face as the lockdown continues to ease is counteracting anxiety. Mental health is rightly a major topic right now, but its not the preserve of humans alone. Anyone who has ever lived with animals will know that they can and do experience an entire gamut of emotional states. Studies and anecdotal evidence have shown that pets – dogs especially – grieve for their owners when they pass away. And one need only look at footage of animals in laboratories or puppy farms to see how strongly they can feel sadness and fear. So owners must therefore ensure that their pets continue to feel safe even when the time of constant attention has ended and the world returns to normality. As a pet owner, one can contribute a lot by teaching the pet how to deal with being alone and how to enjoy it. “For example, feeding games keep the animals occupied longer and distract them from the absence of their owners,” said Sarah. “If an animal demands excessive attention, it’s fine to ignore it to a healthy degree and not give in to every request. Pets should also be given breaks and should be respected if they withdraw of their own accord.” It’s been difficult for all of us during lockdown and there’s still challenges ahead as we move towards some kind of normalcy once again. That’s true also for our pets and, as owners, we’re duty bound to mind their welfare and ensure that they transition back to a normal routine in safety and comfort. Helping dogs adjust As people return to work, Susie Parker-Garrick from Muddy Paws shares some tips to help with your dog’s boredom, pent up energy and loneliness. Are you starting to worry about what you are going to do with your dog when you go back to work? It could be periods up to at least 8 hours and can create stress and guilt for you as the owner, as well as your dog. Don’t panic, as we can help make that time pass easier for your dog and that in turn gives you piece of mind. To start with the best thing you can do for your home alone dog is to offer some good, hard, first-thing in the morning exercise. The length of the walk will depend on their age, fitness, body type, health and the temperature outside. This I know can be hard, as normally in the mornings we are always rushing around doing those last minute jobs before we walk out the door but this walk will help to make your dog tired which in turn will make that time fly by when you are out. During this walk, if your dog is able and safe to be off lead or alternatively have your dog on a long line so they are able to trot, run and have a good sniff around. Don’t be afraid to stop half way round and do a bit of training, for example working on your eye contact or puppy press-ups (not just for puppies!), however this doesn’t mean you get down and start doing press-ups while your dog watches you intently. It’s asking your dog to sit, lie down, sit, stand etc, followed by marking the behaviour and rewarding it. All of this will help with their physical and mental stimulation. By doing this, your dog should come in and want to go and have a lie down, which gives you time to get ready for a busy day at work. Another good tip is instead of feeding your dog with a bowl try putting their foods in food dispenser toys for example Kong, wobblers, treat dispensing chew balls, and many more. Different toys have different difficulties relating to how easy it is to extract the food, so you will need to pick the best toy for your dog. If your dog is a good chewer why not try wetting their dry food, stuff it in the Kong, put it in the freezer as this will help it last longer. Other options are doggie day care centres, however not all dogs are comfortable in this type of environment but some dogs thrive on it. Another popular option is a dog walker who will be able to offer a variety of different lengths of walks and times to suit you and your dog. © Shutterstock /ElenaY akimova 50-51.qxp_Layout 1 29/06/2020 09:15 Page 252 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY COUNTY MOTORING slow lane From manufacturing right through to retail, ’s altogether a grim state of affairs for the automotive industry with COVID-19 the most profound crisis it has ever faced. With production resuming and dealerships re-opened, we explore the future of motoring. Stuck in the 52-55.qxp_Layout 1 29/06/2020 09:17 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 53 COUNTY MOTORING © Shutterstock /Y akov Oskanov Aside from some small but encouraging early signs towards the end of May, it was June that brought the first real ray of hope for the automotive industry. Firstly, luxury car production has largely resumed in the UK, spearheaded by Rolls-Royce and Bentley. Mid-range manufacturers have also tentatively resumed production with Ford and Honda opening production sites whilst keeping in line with social distancing measures. Secondly, the beginning of June brought with it the re-opening of car dealerships. For the industry, this couldn’t come a moment too soon with the pandemic having led to a twenty-year low in the sales of new cars and the industry experiencing its worst May car sales since 1952. Despite this move towards normality, the automotive industry is still in in dire straits. British car makers Bentley and Aston Martin have both announced efforts to cut their workforces to help cut costs to better weather the effects of the pandemic. But as the nation’s largest automotive company, Jaguar Land Rover cutting more than 1,000 UK agency staff dealt one of the biggest blows those employed by the automotive industry have so far faced. The severe measures were announced after the car maker lost £500 million in three months as a direct result of coronavirus. It isn’t only agency and production staff at car makers themselves that are losing their jobs. Despite the fact that dealerships are once again allowed to open, the near three-month lockdown has 54 Á 52-55.qxp_Layout 1 29/06/2020 09:17 Page 254 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY COUNTY MOTORING had a profound – likely lasting – effect. For example, car dealership chain Lookers announced it was cutting 1,500 jobs and closing twelve dealerships only a few days after it was permitted to reopen. It serves to show that although the re- opening is a very much a good thing, it isn’t enough to save the automotive industry alone. After all, those jobs have been shut and those branches are still being closed. Unfortunately, it isn’t only the current workforce that’s being impacted by coronavirus, but presents a risk for future employees – specifically apprentices. The automotive industry was once fertile ground for apprentices to flourish, but that’s now at risk. Recently, the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), the professional association for individuals working in the motor industry, repeated its call for a two- year pause on the Apprentice Levy clawback. In early June, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that 16-24-year olds should be guaranteed an apprenticeship route. In response, Steve Nash, CEO of the IMI, said the announcement “is tremendously positive for the future of apprentices. We know more detail is to come later this month and in July, but we sincerely hope that the impact of COVID-19 on current and future apprentice recruitment plans is fully understood.” Apprenticeship recruitment in the automotive industry has been hit particularly hard by the pandemic. IMI figures reveal that 71% of employers stated that the likely number apprentices will fall in 2020 compared to 2019. A drop of as much as 65% is expected in the number of apprentices recruited this year. The planned numbers are now only a third of 2019 levels. Moreover, only 9% 52-55.qxp_Layout 1 29/06/2020 09:18 Page 3LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 55 COUNTY MOTORING said their apprentice recruitment plans will not change as a result of COVID-19. IMI’s ongoing research also found that training providers are also predicting a fall of on average 38% in their intake for 2020/21 compared to 2019/20. With such a sharp drop in apprentice employment and recruitment, larger employers anticipate that their unused Levy funds will be taken back by government. And this will create a dearth of funding just as the sector will be emerging from the COVID-19 downturn. With this in mind, Mr Nash wrote to Gillian Keegan, MP, Parliamentary Under- Secretary of State for Apprenticeships & Skills requesting that the current clawback applied to unused Apprenticeship Levy funds is halted for a two-year period. As of writing, he has yet to receive a reply. “We hope government takes heed of the fact that 71% of employer respondents to our research agree that a pause on the Apprentice Levy clawback would improve their prospects of employing apprentices. And that has to be a key factor to support the Prime Minister’s worthy ambition,” he said. The coronavirus pandemic not only brought with it a unique set of challenges for the automotive industry to overcome, but confounded existing issues that it was already enduring. Over the last few years, the industry was dealing with both the diesel crisis and Brexit. Needless to say, the motoring sector at large is going through a transition period right now and will almost certainly undergo major changes in the years and decades to come. Indeed, one academic predicts that in the next ten to fifteen years, the industry will experience more dramatic changes that have happened over the past one hundred years. © Shutterstock /Jenson © Shutterstock /FUN FUN PHOT O © Shutterstock /Dmitry Kalinovsky 52-55.qxp_Layout 1 29/06/2020 09:18 Page 456 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY Aries Mar 21 - Apr 20 Bide your time as you will begin to gain much greater clarity as the days go by. Before too long you will begin to appreciate the rewards of all your hard work so make a point of tying up all loose ends so that you can comfortably move forwards knowing that you have completed outstanding tasks and ready to progress forwards towards the next big chapter. Taurus Apr 21 - May 21 Time to close the door on the past and leave it where it belongs. Just learn from experiences and start being kinder to yourself because you have much to look forward to. Soon your will discover something or even someone who will ignite your passion and restore your faith in life once more. Gemini May 22 - June 21 An opportunity to enjoy a brand new chapter whether it be romance, business or career, you are about to experience a way of life which will suit your personality and enable you to achieve some much desired goals. A pressing family matter will need urgent attention. Cancer Jun 22 - Jul 23 It will give you pleasure to give time to those in need or to make a difference to the life of someone who is less fortunate. If you are seriously thinking about borrowing money, taking out a loan or anything along those lines, make sure you do not bite off more than you can chew. Leo Jul 24 - Aug 23 Are you finding it hard to meet a deadline or are you doing far too much to try to please others? News about travel or other social arrangements may cause some confusion, so make sure that you are fully in charge of your own schedule because time and money is precious and you are not prepared to waste any of it on trivia. Virgo Aug 24 - Sep 23 After giving your situation a great deal of thought, you are right, it’s time to break with old outdated habits and promise yourself that from now on you are going to give stress and those who cause it a very wide berth. Do not even associate with people who are full of doom and gloom because they will begrudge your success and happiness. Libra Sep 24 - Oct 23 After months, years even, of planning a long-standing dream finally shows signs of materialising in your favour. Something that you once deemed impossible will manifest itself placing you in an exceptionally strong position. Your finances will improve and so will your standard of living. Scorpio Oct 24 - Nov 22 The last few years have not been particularly easy, littered with obstacles, challenges and certain changes which you have found difficult to grapple with but now you can look forward to new starts and new beginnings. Because you have now taken control of your life, the world is your oyster and nothing nor no one can, nor will, stand in your way. Sagittarius Nov 23 - Dec 21 Relationships and partnerships can be one of the most difficult and complicated things to deal with and if you have been living alone and fed up of dealing with everything yourself, there will be someone on the horizon soon who will have much positivity on offer if you are willing to initially connect with them. Astrology by Linda Lancashire 0776 4466381 www.lindalancashire.co.uk teresastanley1@btinternet.co.uk Capricorn Dec 22 - Jan 20 You have every right to start feeling so much more positively about yourself than in recent years. By focusing on what we do want rather than dwell on all the things we do not have, we stand a greater chance of accomplishing our much-desired goals in life. Aquarius Jan 21 - Feb 19 Rather than complain that you are always being taken advantage of, instead, refuse to be so compliant to the whims and demands of others who never consider you even for one moment. It’s time to administer some self- love and self-healing by starting to put yourself first instead at the bottom of the pile and that way others will respond far more positively than before. Pisces Feb 20 - Mar 20 If you want change and looking for a new opening in life then first it’s important to let go of past hurts and disappointments and stop reinforcing them by continually going over them in your mind otherwise you will not move forwards in the way you so wish to. A job interview could result in you doing some travelling and enjoying an affluent lifestyle. SUDOKU competition Closing date for entries is: 20th JULY 2020 To enter just email the numbers that appear in the yellow squares to: competitions@blmgroup.co.uk Win a £20 voucher to spend with any of our advertisers in this issue. Last month’s solution M1A7R F1E7B your stars Lincolnshire Today’s guide to the astro month ahead... Image courtesy of shutterstock/Meowu 5 1 76 4 8 9 23 3 4 97 5 2 8 61 8 6 2 39 1 5 7 4 6 9 42 8 5 1 37 2 3 8 1 7 9 4 5 6 7 5 14 6 3 2 89 4 2 38 1 7 6 95 9 76 5 2 4 3 1 8 1 8 59 3 6 7 42 9 4 5 71 2 6 3 8 2 7 6 38 5 4 1 9 3 8 1 6 4 9 7 5 2 5 69 27 4 3 8 1 4 2 71 3 89 6 5 8 1 3 59 6 2 7 4 7 3 29 5 18 4 6 19 8 46 3 5 2 7 6 54 8 2 7 19 3 56.qxp_Layout 1 29/06/2020 09:19 Page 1We’re looking for those with a zest for life to join Lincolnshire Today’s sales team! You don’t have to be an adrenalin junkie to work here but it helps… Contact Michael Fisher on 01472 310305 MONDAYS? Is this how work makes you feel on a Monday morning? classified To advertise your services call Angela Cooper at Lincolnshire Today on 01472 310310 British Classics Heritage Motors Parts 1948 to date Retail Trade Export Special Projects Restorations Manufacturing Modifications Country Workshops Risegate, Nr Spalding, Lincs, PE11 4EZ Classic Landrovers Tel/Fax 01775 750223 www.british4x4centre.co.uk Motors Stuart Wilde Photography Ltd The best photography is about much more than taking a picture. It’s about capturing a moment, telling a story, preserving a memory. Sometimes it’s about looking at things a little bit differently. Tel: 07974 695626 www.stuartwildephotography.com The essential b and G the B guide m ooG B d r t LINCOLNSHIRETODAY. WWW WEDDINGS/ NET.Y S Planning for your special day? If you are getting married then this guide is your must have accessory. It’s full of advice, hints and tips from the county’s top wedding specialists and will provide you with inspiration for your big day. To receive a copy of the county’s most prestigious, full colour Wedding Guide, send a S.A.E. to: Lincolnshire Today Wedding Guide, Armstrong House, Armstrong Street, Grimsby, North East Lincs DN31 2QE Alternatively visit: www.lincolnshiretoday.net/weddings Weddings To Let • Superb Location - Close to the ports of Grimsby & Immingham - Great motorway links - Close to the town centre • Secure off street parking • High speed internet availability • Easy in/out terms • A range of affordable office sizes Armstrong House, Armstrong Street, Grimsby DN31 2QE Tel: (01472) 310301 Email: s.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 57 Ground floor offices to let - prime location in Grimsby Photography 57.qxp_Layout 1 29/06/2020 09:37 Page 1watercooler 58 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY LincolnshireToday @lincstoday lincolnshiretoday.net Have we missed anything? Send your rib-ticklers to d.cuthbert@blmgroup.co.uk The lockdown has been hard on all of us, but it’s also brought out the best of humanity and demonstrated the true meaning of community. In this special edition of By the Watercooler, we bring you three stories that have emerged over the lockdown that have made us smile and, we hope, will also bring you joy. Base jumping off Boston Stump St Botolph’s Church – or the ‘Boston Stump’ as we affectionately refer to it here in Lincolnshire – is truly one of the county’s most iconic and beloved buildings. That said, most of us aren’t in a hurry to scale its impressive 272 ft height. But that didn’t stop two base jumpers from doing exactly that. The daring duo were spotted in early June jumping with a parachute from the roof all the way down to the ground. Despite the parachute, one of them still managed to land on his face. He can’t have been too badly hurt because they both quickly fled the scene. Unsurprisingly, the police have cautioned against such reckless feats. At present, their investigation is still ongoing. As Inspector Fran Harrod of Lincolnshire Police said, “Our NHS is busy enough as it is.” By the Polly needs a new home The lockdown brought with it many unexpected happenings, though most wouldn’t have thought an abundance of abandoned parrots would be one of them. Nevertheless, Lincolnshire Wildlife Park near Boston has taken in an increased number of parrots. Usually, the park would take in just two or three a month at this time of year, but the lockdown has forced people to make hard decisions, like parting with their feathered friends. At present, however, the Parrot Zoo Trust within the park is taking in about ten a week. Who knew there were so many of them being kept as pets? Obviously, the coronavirus crisis is affecting the park, so if you love parrots but can’t look after one yourself, why not consider donating. © Shutterstock/Electric Egg © Shutterstock/Jerome Klemenz Honour the Pilgrim’s by spinning in your seat What better way to celebrate the Pilgrim Father’s journey in this the 400th anniversary of the sailing of the Mayflower than with spinning seats? That’s the memorial that’s in store for Boston after Lincolnshire County Council applied to the city’s Borough Council to install a new sculpture on the River Haven coastal footpath in Fishtoft. The design, which was chosen following a competition back in 2018, will feature a five-metre deck, will be inscribed with maritime symbols and will feature a mast that will act like a sundial. Not only that, rotating seating will form the centre point so that people can turn the seats to look out at a variety of views. 58.qxp_Layout 1 29/06/2020 09:21 Page 1Chemex Lincoln & Boston are here to help! We have everything you need to safely reopen your business. From friendly help and advice, to complete hygiene control packages - we have it all! Chemex Lincoln & Boston have been serving local business for over 25 years. We have the expertise and experience to help keep your staff & customers safe. Contact us today for no obligation help and advice Email: peter.cussans@chemexuk.com • Tel: 07941733201 Free Standing Hand Sanitizer Stations • Automatic Touch-less Technology • Sturdy Construction • Available in white or stainless Wall mounted touch-less sanitizer dispensers with backboard Comforts Avenue, Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire DN15 6PN Tel: 01724 280 082 J. Naylor Funeral Directors Independent Funeral Directors www.jnaylor-funerals.co.uk YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY FUNERAL DIRECTOR We have experienced staff to personally help you with your individual needs. PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE? We can help you arrange a funeral now or help if you are planning for the future. 15 Bigby Street, Brigg, North Lincolnshire DN20 8EJ Tel: 01652 650 520 24 Hr Telephone 01724 280 082 Scunthorpe Office Hours - Mon-Fri 9am-5pm Brigg Office Hours - Mon-Fri 9am-12 noon & 1pm-4pm 59.qxp_Layout 1 29/06/2020 09:22 Page 1Next >