LIFE UNDER THE STAIRS

By Jane Stevenson

Sun And Sangria

Listening to the travel news over the past few days, anyone due to fly abroad in the coming weeks has my utmost sympathy.

Easyjet have cancelled hundreds of flights from Gatwick, due to problems with the air traffic controllers. This seems to happen every year now. Whatever happened to the times when you rocked up to the airport, got on a plane, which left on time, and a couple of hours later got off and began your vacation?

Was I just lucky, or was it a time when ‘the good old days’ really were better?

I spent many enjoyable holidays abroad when younger. France, Italy, Malta, Greece and the USA. Spain was always a favourite though. Firstly, to Tossa de Mar or Majorca, with the notorious Club 18-30 – thank goodness there was no social media in the Dark Ages! Latterly, my good friend and I took off many times for Benidorm. Having a Spanish speaking friend is always a plus.

Benidorm took a downhill turn for some years and became a byword for a place to avoid. Too many fish and chip shops and pubs, poor behaviour, usually by us Brits, high rise, featureless hotels and the all-night clubs with overpriced ‘champagne’ and sangria.

Having said that, I love Benidorm! When we decided our children were old enough to appreciate a bit of foreign travel, it was the first place we considered. They were 8 and 10 and loved every minute. I was surprised too, as the resort had really improved, with clean streets, upgraded beaches and a host of other enhancements. I’ve been back several times, at varying times of the year and never regretted my decision.

It has no pretensions of being anything other than what it is; a holiday resort for all. It caters for all ages and situations. Viva Espana I say.

NATION OF PET LOVERS?

The summer is known as busy time for animal rescue centres. I am a volunteer for one such organisation rescuing cats which are sick, stray or who have been abandoned. It’s something I’ve addressed before and make no apology for doing so again.

Already, our pens are full, volunteers are handraising kittens some of whom are only a few days old. We are accepting animals left to fend for themselves due to age, some with awful medical ailments, others just unwanted and left by the roadside or in waste bins. Occasionally an animal reaches us with such horrific injuries that despite the best efforts of volunteers and the vet, we can’t save them. Thankfully, we don’t give up easily, and have rehomed several hundred over the past two years.

The current situation in this country doesn’t help. Animals obtained during Covid were often unwanted once life began to return to normal. The cost of living is another factor; often people simply can’t afford to keep these animals, so surrender them to a rescue, or request they be put down. It is heartbreaking.

Pet ownership is beneficial on many levels; health, wellbeing and companionship being well documented. If you are going to get a cat or dog, do your homework. How is your lifestyle going to accommodate an animal? Hardly ever in? Away for long periods of time? Food and equipment costs? All such questions need to be asked prior to obtaining a pet.

Pet insurance is expensive, as is veterinary treatment. It is worth asking some of the wellknown national charities if they offer low cost or free neutering, but bear in mind this often comes with conditions attached. They can’t help every single applicant.

From my point of view, I would ask that you adopt, not shop, for a pet. Animals repeatedly used to breed from are often very young themselves and their health can suffer. There are many welfare groups around the Dartford area and the animals are usually rehomed who would be only to pleased to help you choose. By rehoming a cat or dog from a shelter you allow us to accept yet another unfortunate creature who needs our aid. Most rescue centres are extremely helpful to a new owner; the centres usually ensure that every rehomed animal has a clean bill of health, is neutered and microchipped before leaving for their new homes.

There is one last major action we can all do when taking on an animal. Do get them neutered. This will stop further kittens and puppies being born, possibly to life outdoors with little food or a safe place to live. Ferals are more prone to disease, injury and serious medical issues.

Enjoy your pet, and realise you have a responsibility towards it. Have a great summer!

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