Rescue and Animal Care Magazine Dec/Jan - Issue 160

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RESCUE and ANIMAL CARE

FREE COPY Please take one

Promoting Responsible Pet Ownership and Animal Welfare

ISSN 2050-0572

29th November 2020 - 29th January 2021 - Issue 160

www.rescueandanimalcare.com

Stephen Fry lends voice to moving story of Rescued horse Boo

Cats Protection unveils tear-jerking Christmas animation featuring Holly Willoughby

Paying Tribute to our Lost Pets at Christmas In s ide .. .

See Mayhew’s Winter issue of tails Magazine!

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New developments The hidden dangers in Pet Healthcare of feeding festive foods to your pet WATCH NOW PAGE 5

Watch our Christmas video

Border Collie Trust GB To watch our Animated video go to https://vimeo.com/481149641

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RESCUE and ANIMAL CARE ISSN 2050-0572

29th November 2020 - 29th January 2021 - Issue 160

RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE MAGAZINE

FREE COPY Please take one

Promoting Responsible Pet Ownership and Animal Welfare

Promoting Responsible Pet Ownership and Animal Welfare

www.rescueandanimalcare.com

Stephen Fry lends voice to moving story of Rescued horse Boo

Cats Protection unveils tear-jerking Christmas animation featuring Holly Willoughby

Paying Tribute to our Lost Pets at Christmas Inside ...

See Mayhew’s Winter issue of taa ils Magazine!

M

New developments The hidden dangers in Pet Healthcare of feeding festive foods to your pet WATCH NOW PAGE 5

Watch our Christmas video

Border Collie Trust GB To watch our Animated video go to https://vimeo.com/481149641

ON THE COVER Border Collie Trust GB

THE TEAM PUBLISHER: Jennifer Prowse FEATURE CONTRIBUTORS Dean Hart, Animal Behaviourist Mary Lloyd, Bio-Life International Juliet Abrahamson DESIGN Vicki Barnes WEBSITE WDL Website Design Ltd

Dear Lovely Readers Thank you for opening our latest issue!

You are very valuable to us § Welcome to our bumper double month magazine with lots of interesting features and articles.

You will also find hundreds of gift ideas for you and your pets.

It has been a tough year for us all personally and business wise.

We’ve struggled through the best we can and perhaps learnt new lessons along the way.

Personally speaking I have so much more appreciation for our beautiful world and for my family and friends.

Not forgetting my gorgeous dog, Treacle (page 4).

She and I have walked a long way through lockdown!

Fingers crossed - let us hope that in early 2021 our lives can go back to normal.

Perhaps we can even look forward to a ‘National Hug Day’. Boris. What do you think?

Wishing you and your family and precious pets a very safe, Joyful Christmas and a Healthy and Happy New Year.

Love Jennifer

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NO PART OF THIS MAGAZINE MAY BE REPRODUCED IN WHOLE OR IN PART WITHOUT PRIOR WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM THE PUBLISHERS. ANY OPINIONS STATED WITHIN THE TEXT OF RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE MAGAZINE ARE NOT NECESSARILY THOSE OF THE PUBLISHERS. ANY PRICES QUOTED MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. SOME OF THE ANIMALS FEATURED WITHIN THIS ISSUE MAY NOW HAVE BEEN REHOMED.

Read tails Winter Magazine online (see centre pages) 10

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Contact us (01787) 228027

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Jennifer@jspmedia.co.uk RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE MAGAZINE: JENNIFER PROWSE MEDIA, 21 THE MALTINGS, BURES, SUFFOLK CO8 5EJ Follow us on facebook Rescue and Animal Care www.facebook.com/rescueandanimalcare Troublesome Treacle

www.rescueandanimalcare.com 2

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Ho-Ho-ho! Dear Furry and feathered Friends, I’m super excited and my back legs are crossed because I think I need a wee as I have just written my letter to Santa Paws!

Dear Santa Paws, I expect you are shortly due to leave the North Pole on your sleigh, piled high with gifts with your ‘dogdeers’ ready to take you all over the world.

Sorry if my letter arrives a little late but we have been on ‘lickdown’ here but now that it is over and I am dashing to finish it. Then I am going to rush down to the post office!

Although Mistress will likely disagree, I think I have been a very good dog for most of the year. Yesterday I was provoked into a tantrum and refused to go out for a walk but that was all Mistress’s fault.

She had decided to trim my back bum area as my fur contained lots of knots. I bravely stood still as Mistress got scissor happy. I don’t know if any of you have seen The ‘Specsavers’ advert where a man who was shearing his sheep?

He had such poor sight that in error also sheared his Border Collie! The caption was something like- ‘Should have gone to Specsavers’ I look just like that dog now! I have been in hiding ever since.

So Santa Paws, please do not be surprised to see the first thing on my list is a new pair of bi focal glasses for Mistress. I don’t have her prescription but any ones must be better than those she currentlywears.

I also wonder if you could take a large sack of pet food with you and drop it out of your sleigh so that any stray animals throughout the world have a special treat at Christmas.

Look at my cute Christmas bow!

As I am always losing my tennis balls, losing sight of them when I literally take my ‘eye off the ball’ to stop and sniff at the hedgerow or at a another dog’s plops.

I really could do with some more. Thank you.

I would also love some more toys. Especially another ‘Miss Piggy’ who used to squeal when I played with her. Sadly I got carried away one day and hurled her too far and now her squeak has gone.

Last but not least it would be lovely to have my own television so I can watch ‘Dogflix’ At the moment I have to watch all sorts of Human films which mostly send me to sleep!

Yours sincerely Treacle Season’s Greetings to You All! Keep safe and Warm and See you in 2021

Follow us on facebook Rescue and Animal Care www.facebook.com/rescueandanimalcare Troublesome Treacle

Please contact us or visit our website for more information.

Heathway, Colton, Rugeley, Staffs WS15 3LY Tel: 01889 577058 www.bordercollietrustgb.org.uk Reg Charity No1053585

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WATCH NOW

Watch our Christmas 2020 Video

Border Collie Trust GB To watch our Animated video go to https://vimeo.com/481149641

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RSPCA and Blue Cross join forces on a range of new joint initiatives Two of the UK’s leading animal charities have today announced plans to work more closely together to help pets in need across England and Wales.

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he organisations will remain independent charities, but with the impact of COVID-19 stretching resources and finances further than ever before, they are looking to identify key opportunities where they can combine forces to make their valuable funds go even further and have a greater impact for animals.

The charities are both committed to the same animal welfare goals and want to be open with supporters and the public about where they are working in partnership to help both pets and people through their complementary services.

Two of the key areas being explored by the charities include purchasing and supplies, where there may be savings to be made through economies of scale and to ensure robust supply chains for food, medicine and other essentials for animals.

They are also seeking to partner in

Blue Cross CEO Chris Burghes with cat Mr Boo

areas of transport of animals and behaviour services, which will help keep funds in the animal sector and be more environmentally conscious in reducing miles driven to move animals in need.

By joining together in key areas the organisations will be able to provide a wider, more complementary service, such as joining up and working together to care for rescued animals and rehome pets in crisis or in need.

The RSPCA was founded in 1824 and Blue Cross in 1897, but their services are needed now more than ever. Charity resources are under intense pressure at this time and the deepening financial downturn will see even more demand on these vital services.

Blue Cross CEO, Chris Burghes, said: “We are pleased to share the news of our intentions of several areas to partner on with the RSPCA. It feels that we are on the cusp of something truly exciting to reach more pets, and the people they share their lives with. There is much natural alignment in both our strategies and in areas of the country where we both have a presence, there is opportunity for strong working collaboration for an even greater impact for animals and communities.”

RSPCA CEO, Chris Sherwood, said: The RSPCA is excited to be exploring practical ways we can work with Blue Cross to help us work smarter and better at this difficult time for charities and for animals.

RSPCA CEO Chris Sherwood with dog Mabel

“We hope these talks will lead to collaborations allowing us to help animals more quickly and save money so we can channel our scarce resources to the range of RSPCA’s animal welfare work, including our unique frontline rescue work.

“We are keen to build strong relationships with charities across the sector so we can all collectively focus our efforts on helping the animals which need us. Strengthening partnerships is central to our new strategy.”

Visit www.bluecross.org.uk, www.rspca.org.uk

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RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE 29 NOVEMBER 2020 – 29 JANUARY 2021

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New Developments in Pet Healthcare New veterinary innovations are transforming pet healthcare. Dogs now live twice as long as they did 40 years ago longer and domestic cats thrive for twice as long as feral cats.

The principal reason --- pets are no longer treated as animals--- they are viewed as members of the family and therefore pet owners are taking better care of their beloved companions. This is reflected in the amount of research on-going into common pet diseases resulting in significant improvements in veterinary care. Mary Lloyd tells us more The Most Common Diseases in Cats and Dogs Although cancer is one of the lesser causes of ill health in pets, it still affects 1 in 4 individuals and it is the one that pet owners fear the most. As in humans, early detection is the key to successful treatment, cancers are not always immediately apparent as I discovered recently. My little Bichon Frisse dog Snowy went from being his usual lively self one day to droopy tail the next. Our vet operated expecting to find bladder stones but sadly, when he was opened up, he was full of 8

advanced tumours. We did the only thing we could and did not wake him from the anaesthetic.

Thankfully, the outcome does not need to be so bleak. The latest trend are wearables that actually detect health issues including cancer early. In the USA, H-FIRE which preferentially targets cancer cells is being used to cure lung and liver cancers. Ultrasound has been developed to destroy cancer cells without heat so that it does minimal damage to surrounding tissue.

Immunotherapy has been developed

29 NOVEMBER 2020 – 29 JANUARY 2021 RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE

that triggers an immune response that destroys cancer cells without excessive surgery and chemotherapy which are somewhat indiscriminate. Colorado State University are even developing a vaccine against 7 different cancers in pets.

Non-invasive techniques are increasingly being used to treat heart and other internal organ disorders so that surgery with all the risks of postoperative infection is reduced.

As for fractures, pinning is being increasingly used for severe cases that would have resulted in long term www.rescueandanimalcare.com

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lameness or worse, amputation in the past.

Longer term, stem cell therapy will become available which will enable damaged tissues to heal and this will apply to both pets and humans. The research has been sadly delayed by individuals concerned with intervention in cell reproductive capacity --something of a fallacy when it can be used to repair organs and tissues without drugs or surgery.

Other New Developments for Better Healthcare A new drug called Galliprant is now being used for arthritis in older pets.

This drug is not a steroid so it does not

The 10 most common causes of ill health in pets are shown below: CATS

DOGS

Kidney disease

Cataracts

Diarrhoea

Arthritis

Dental caries

Ear infections

Broken bones

Kennel cough

Sneezing

Diarrhoea

Heartworm

Fleas & ticks

Fleas

Heartworm

FIV

Broken bones

Cancer

Obesity

Obesity

Cancer

result in weight excessive weight gain, water retention and associated organ damage. Henry, my 11 year old collie/springer spaniel cross takes it and it is very successful.

A new drug called Busiprone reduces chronic vomiting and Cardalis is the latest treatment for heart disease.

There are even a new range of antidepressants for cats and dogs but personally, I think it is more important to address the causes of this problem rather than drugging your pet. Happy pills are neither beneficial to humans nor pets!

Last but not least, obesity is increasing in pets as it is in humans and there is only two remedies for that --- diet and exercise. If you need help, do not hesitate to consult your vet.

Obesity is killing you pet with kindness and no-one wants to do that. n For further information on any aspect of healthcare, please do not hesitate to contact Bio-Life by Email on sales@biolife-international.co.uk.

What I do not know, I can research for you. Understanding your pets ailments greatly helps you to treat them correctly or visit www.biolife-internetional.co.uk Photo images: ŠAdobe Stock

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all!

www.rescueandanimalcare.com

RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE 29 NOVEMBER 2020 – 29 JANUARY 2021

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Helping stray Blue get back on her feet Last month, Mayhew’s Animal Welfare Officers were called out to assist a six-year-old stray tabby, Blue, when a member of the public who had been feeding her noticed that she was limping, and one of her front paws was swollen and sore.

Luckily, the feeder was aware of Mayhew and called them for help.

We spoke to Mayhew’s Animal Welfare Officers to find out more…

“After we got the call from Blue’s feeder, we went straight out to meet them. Blue’s paw was obviously causing her a significant amount of pain and so, after doing a quick background check and ensuring she didn’t have an owner in the area, we carefully placed her in a carrier and brought her back to our vet clinic for a more thorough examination.

Unusually, our vets couldn’t see anything obviously wrong with Blue’s leg or paw there were no visible puncture wounds, scratches or obvious broken bones, but she was suffering with a high temperature which indicated some kind of infection. Her x-ray came back clear, so our Cattery team settled her down in our hospital ward with an antiinflammatory injection and a course of antibiotics and painkillers.

Luckily the medication seemed to kick in after a few days and the swelling started to go down. By the end of the course, Blue’s paw was back to normal and she was no longer in any pain. The likely explanation for her injuries is that she had been bitten by another stray or feral cat - the wound site could have got infected quickly even if it was tiny.

Although Blue had been living on the streets under the watchful eye of her feeder, it was clear she had once been domesticated, and she soon put her trust in our staff to look after her. After watching her play, run and jump on all four of her paws, we made sure she was neutered and fully vaccinated and placed her up for adoption.

It wasn’t long before she found her perfect match, and is now happily settled in her new home.

Mayhew’s Community Vet Clinic will open for low-cost vaccination appointments during the festive period, on 22, 24 and 30 December and 2 January. To make an appointment, please call 020 8962 8017 d or email vetclinic@mayhewanimalhome.org.

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FREE PET REMEDY CALMING WIPES FOR EVERY READER

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RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE 29 NOVEMBER 2020 – 29 JANUARY 2021

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Anna, Daniel and Casper

Cats Protection unveils tear-jerking Christmas animation featuring Holly Willoughby and created by multi award-winning Aardman Studios Cats Protection has joined forces with Academy Award®-winning animators Aardman Studios and TV presenter Holly Willoughby for its Christmas campaign “Casper’s Magical Journey”, inspired by the true story of a young boy and his missing cat.

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he beautiful three-minute animation launches today (25 November) on social media, with shorter versions airing on TV during December.

Five-year-old white cat Casper went missing from his home in Plymouth in 2017, much to the distress of owner Anna Day and her 12-year-old son Daniel.

Three years later, Casper turned up 55 miles away at Cats Protection’s Cornwall Adoption Centre near Truro and, thanks to his microchip, was able to be reunited with his overjoyed family.

Anna said: “We were all heartbroken when Casper didn’t come back, particularly Daniel.

We never expected to see him again after such a long time, so it was miraculous to get him back home.

“The whole family is so excited that Casper’s story is being immortalised in this way – and hopefully it will encourage more cat owners to consider getting their pets microchipped.”

Holly Willoughby, who provided the voiceover for mum Anna, said: “Casper and Daniel’s story is so lovely and, as a cat owner, it really struck a chord with me. It was a pleasure to be involved with such a wonderful project.”

Aardman Director Lucy Izzard was

29 NOVEMBER 2020 – 29 JANUARY 2021 RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE

Holly Willoughby

delighted to help share Casper’s story: “Such an epic true life story - going missing for three years and being found 55 miles from home - gave us so much scope to build an animated story. The hardest part was keeping it short as there was so much we wanted to do with it! It’s not often we get to bring ‘real world’ narratives to life at Aardman, so we really relished this unique opportunity and were particularly excited to add a bit of Christmas magic into the mix!”

According to Cats Protection’s CATS report 2020*, over a quarter (26%) of owned cats in the UK are not chipped. The charity is actively campaigning to change this by making it a legal requirement for cats to be microchipped, as it is for dogs. n To watch the animation, visit www.cats.org.uk/christmas

www.rescueandanimalcare.com

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How to avoid sending your cat crackers this Christmas As the festive season approaches, Cats Protection is keen to remind pet owners that it can be hazardous to cats.

Traditional Christmas paraphernalia such as trees, tinsel, lights and festive plants can all be potential threats.

Furthermore, a strange atmosphere with lots of unfamiliar people coming and going, and a house filled with unusual smells and sounds, can be unsettling for nervous felines.

So to help keep cats safe and happy this Christmas, the UK’s leading cat welfare charity has come up with 10 top tips: 1. Keep your cat away from decorations which can be dangerous to cats if broken or nibbled, particularly items like glass baubles, tinsel and fairy light cables. Make sure you supervise them if your cat is particularly playful.

2. Keep an eye on your Christmas tree especially if your cat likes to climb! Some oils produced by these trees can be toxic - and fertilisers and plant food can also be harmful to cats. In addition, the pine needles can injure their delicate paws.

3. Keep holly, ivy, poinsettia, lilies and mistletoe out of reach as they are potentially toxic to cats. A full list of potentially harmful plants can be found on Cats Protection’s website www.cats.org.uk 4. Ensure you give them space and a safe place to hide where they can retreat to avoid all the fuss if you’re planning a full house.

Many cats are startled by the sound of loud bangs so try to keep them out of harm’s way when it comes to pulling crackers, letting off party poppers and general commotion.

5. Keep them away from human food. If you want to give your cat a treat, it’s best to stick to specially-produced cat food treats and avoid food intended for humans, such as chocolate. Remember that overfeeding will cause a cat to become overweight, placing a strain on their joints and risking health problems such as diabetes.

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6. Clear away Christmas presents. After opening presents, be sure to completely clear the room of wrapping paper, elastic bands and ribbons to prevent your cat from nibbling at them.

7. If going away at Christmas, make plans for your cat well in advance, particularly if you are planning to put him in a cattery. Cats are used to their own environment and keeping your cat at home will ensure they feel less stressed so, for most cats, the best solution is to get a cat sitter.

8. Screen away open fires and supervise your cat if you have a lit fire.

9. Avoid dressing cats up. While it’s tempting to involve your cat in the festivities by buying a fun outfit or fancy dress costume, it can make cats feel very stressed as it can restrict its movement, making them less able to express their normal cat behaviour - such as grooming or stretching. There’s also the risk of an outfit being caught or snagged which can result in injury.

10. Make preparations if you expect there will be new year firework displays nearby to decrease anxiety. Try to reduce outside noise by keeping curtains drawn, which will also reduce awareness of any flashes, and playing soothing music or having the TV on may also help. A pheromone plug-in diffuser can have a calming effect. n Further cat care advice can be found on Cats Protection’s website www.cats.org.uk Photo images: ©Adobe Stock

www.rescueandanimalcare.com

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Celebrate Spring with a fabulous Andrew Kay Hare Sculpture & support The Hare Preservation Trust During the month of March, if you are very lucky you may get the chance to see brown hares boxing, as female hares fight off persistent males attempting to mate! However, with brown hares decreasing by around 80 percent in the last century due to loss of habitat, sightings of this energetic mating ritual are becoming few and far between.

Andrew Kay Sculpture, an awardwinning British sculpture business based in Cumbria, has captured this extraordinary sight in solid mild steel.

Full of movement and drama, his five foot high ‘Boxing hares’ sculpture, £4,700 (inc. VAT and UK mainland delivery), means you don’t have to go further than your own garden to see boxing hares this March, and with 15% of sales going to the Hare Preservation Trust, you will also be helping to ensure this sight doesn’t get lost forever. For those with slightly smaller budgets, or who would like a more sedate hare, Andrew Kay’s ‘Life size hare,’ £840 (inc.

VAT and UK mainland delivery), has also been hand welded in solid mild steel and also offers a 15% donation to the trust.

Andrew Kay said; “I have supported the Hare Preservation Trust for many years. It would be a travesty for these characterful, peaceful creatures to disappear from our countryside. I love the drama of hares as they box and find it entertaining that it is the female’s way to get rid of an over amorous male. I have tried to give the sculpture a strong presence by the hares almost being suspended above the ground – the fact that the piece is 5 foot high helps achieve this too.”

Andrew Kay Sculpture was founded by sculptor Andrew Kay in 1993 to make original, handmade, stunningly beautiful wildlife sculptures from solid mild steel – freezing them in a moment of time.

Striking silhouettes on the landscape, Andrew Kay’s sculptures masterfully capture the very essence of some of our most beautiful and elegant animals, 16

using clean and deceptively simple lines of steel. The artistry of the sculptures is in their ability to instantly communicate the character, powerful anatomy and movements of our favourite wildlife through carefully placed, architectural curves and lines.

The sculptures also transform and evolve over time, the grey natural mild steel from which they are created, developing into a rich ochre colour.

Due to the thickness of the sculptures, they will last on the landscape for many decades.

Andrew creates his sculptures alongside his wife Anneley and three

29 NOVEMBER 2020 – 29 JANUARY 2021 RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE

Labradors in Beckside Studio, a converted barn set in the wild hills of his native Cumbria. The work of Andrew Kay Sculpture can be seen gracing the landscape throughout the world and his client list of both private collectors and public bodies includes British peers and celebrities – from counts and viscountess’s to Richard Curtis, Sir Tom Stoppard and John Bishop.

Each Andrew Kay Sculpture is unique and original, handmade to order following discussions with the client.

Completely new and bespoke commissions are also available. Delivery is available both within the UK and abroad and is expertly organised direct to the clients’ preferred site. n For more information, or to discuss a commission please visit: https://www.andrewkaysculpture.co.uk/ www.rescueandanimalcare.com

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Dog Sofa Beds Treat your dog this Christmas with a luxurious George Barclay – England, sofa bed. Available in two sizes: medium & large, with a choice of an orthopaedic blended memory foam mattress, or memory topper mattress. MRSP: £89.99 - £159.99.

Soft-Walled Box Beds Ideal for dogs that like to curl or snuggle!

Available in four sizes: small, medium, large & x-large, these beds are filled with an orthopaedic blended memory foam, providing top-notch comfort & support. MRSP: £64.99 - £129.99.

Dog Mattresses These premium dog mattresses certainly tick the comfort box! Available in four sizes: medium, large, x-large & xx-large, with a choice of an orthopaedic blended memory foam mattress, or memory topper mattress. MRSP: £49.99 - £139.99.

Aran Knit Blankets The George Barclay Aran Knit Deluxe Pet Blanket has an inviting, homely appeal, the ideal place for your faithful companion to snuggle.

The blankets signature ‘Aran knit’ styling, contrasts beautifully with the opulent faux fur lining, which must be touched to be believed!

Available in two sizes: large & x-large, MRSP: £19.99 - £35.99.

Italian Leather Pet Carrier Wow! This has to be the must-have pet carrier to be seen out & about with this Christmas. This stylish, functional pet carrier has been produced using the finest Italian leather, sourced from the Tuscany region of Italy. Hand crafted by Italian artisans, the pet carrier is intended for miniature breeds, the carrier is suitable for pets up to 5kg (11lbs). MRSP: £279.99.

All products are available at www.georgebarclay.com, or call 01722 712203

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H ealthy Products COLLOIDAL SILVER PETS EAR DROPS Ear infections in dogs are common and most dogs suffer from this condition at some stage. Rubbing and scratching at the ears and shaking the head are common signs of this. There may also be swelling, redness or an odour or discharge from the ear. Most ear infections are caused by yeast and bacteria and can be treated with a potent antibacterial remedy.

Visit www.naturesgreatestsecret.co.uk

Cookie Treats Our Snackiwoofs range are fabulous fish-based cookie treats that are made in the UK and have only a few ingredients. Low Fat, Gluten, Grain, Wheat free and Hypoallergenic so ideal for those dogs that need fewer calories or have sensitive tummies. Packed with naturally occurring Omega 3 and they have no artificial additives or preservatives.

Sure to be a favourite with the pooch.

Visit www.bigpaws.co

Emmi-Pet Ultrasonic Toothbrush

MuttMOP Deluxe Dog Towel The George Barclay, MuttMOP® Deluxe Dog Towel, removes dirt and water easily from your dog’s coat. It’s the ideal accessory for drying your dog after a woodland walk, forest trail or coastal stroll. MRSP: £13.99.

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Motionless and vibrationless.

Give your dog a ‘dentist like’ clean stress free from the comfort of your home! Save not only money but also the risk of anaesthetic by avoiding Veterinary dentals. https://bentleysdogfood.co .uk/product/ultrasonictoothbrush-for-dogs-emmipet-dental-care/

Italian Leather Leads & Collars The George Barclay Holmsley leather dog leads & collars have been hand crafted by Italian artisans, using only the finest Italian leather sourced from the Tuscany region of Italy. An area famous for producing high-quality leather fashion items.

MRSP: £29.99 - £39.99.

Pet Calming Spray A new and natural way of tackling dog anxiety and stress in all pets and animals. £18.50. Visit www.petremedy.co.uk

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BLIND THERAPY CAT AWARDED 2020 BLUE CROSS MEDAL After Blue Cross launched a nationwide search for Britain’s most heroic pet, Carrots the cat proved to be head and tails above the rest!

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eading pet charity, Blue Cross, has announced that blind therapy cat, Carrots, has been awarded the historic Blue Cross Medal – for his role in helping to bring happiness and comfort to patients and their families at a Marie Curie Hospice in Bradford.

Set up by Blue Cross during World War One, the Blue Cross Medal celebrates heroic pets who are changing or saving lives across the UK – with one pet being awarded the winning medal each year. Earlier this year, the charity launched a nationwide search for pets with an extra-special ‘tail’ to tell, in order to find it’s 2020 winner.

Of the 143 nominations submitted, a panel of judges were so impressed with the four-year-old ginger tom cat and his work with sick, unwell and dying patients, that they decided to award him this year’s Medal – which also marks the 80th anniversary of the prestigious award being presented to an animal.

When he’s not chasing after his favourite scrunchy ball, Carrots is a familiar face at the Marie Curie Hospice on Maudsley Street in Bradford, where he is busy bringing relief and joy to those living with anxiety and depression – as well as those receiving palliative care. Carrots first started visiting the hospice almost three years ago when his owner, Katie Lloyd, was diagnosed with an Anaplastic Astrocytoma - but it is not just Katie’s life that he transformed while he was there.

Carrots was brought into a local cat rescue as a tiny kitten with serious eye injuries. Sadly, he lost them both due to a congenital eye defect, but the ginger and white moggy’s warm and confident way with other patients at the hospice allowed him to sooth and comfort them. He soon became nothing short of a furry legend with patients and staff and was visiting twice a week to carry out his therapy duties.

He is the only therapy cat within Marie Curie Hospices throughout the UK, and is the UK's only blind therapy cat.

Carrots’ owner, Katie Lloyd, said: “I'm so incredibly proud of Carrots for

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Katie Lloyd and Carrots

winning the 2020 Blue Cross Medal.

I’m really humbled and didn’t expect Carrots to get this kind of recognition.

When Carrots first arrived I knew immediately that he was a special boy.

He has been my companion for many years, helping me get through some of the hardest times of my life. Whenever I am going through my therapy treatment, he seems to have a ‘sixth sense’ that I need additional comforting and makes me feel so at ease.

He has also been there for everyone at the Marie Curie Hospice in their hour of need and is special to so many people. He loves visiting patients and settles beside them so that they can stroke him and listen to him purr. He touches the hearts of everyone he meets and has a great sense of love and responsibility.

I’ll never forget one evening when we received a call from the Hospice to say there was an older gentleman facing difficult circumstances. He was very distressed and agitated and was requesting a visit from Carrots – so we travelled to the Hospice right away.

When he saw me with Carrots on my shoulder at the door, he immediately relaxed. Shortly after Carrots snuggled down on the bed with him, the gentleman fell asleep. It was probably the first rest that he had managed to get in 12 hours.

During the Covid-19 pandemic he has really missed seeing his friends at the hospice, so he’s been busy writing letters to some of the lovely people he’s met through his therapy work. He signs off all his letters with a paw print of

29 NOVEMBER 2020 – 29 JANUARY 2021 RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE

course!”

Julia Mckecknie-Burke, Blue Cross Director of Fundraising, Marketing and Communications and one of four judges on this year’s panel, says: “With the Blue Cross Medal we want to celebrate the extraordinary things pets do for us and how they change our lives.

Carrots is a perfect example of this, and we’re honoured to award him the Blue Cross Medal on its 80th anniversary, placing him alongside a long list extraordinary pets that have transformed or saved human lives.”

The idea of the Blue Cross Medal was first conceived in 1917 during World War One and was given to people who helped rescue animals. However, the first time it was presented to an animal specifically was in 1940, to a dog called ‘La Cloche’, for saving his owner from drowning – after a German torpedo hit their ship.

Last year’s Blue Cross Medal winner was self-taught assistance dog, Lily-Rose – an eight-year-old papillon-cross who saved her owner from choking and alerted the owner when her mother collapsed after a heart attack. Other outstanding winners have included a 19-year-old cat called Jim in the 1940’s who saved the lives of his family from a fire, a Labrador called Daisy who trained to detect cancer, a blood donating Staffordshire bull terrier called Romeo, and a young mastiff called Lemmy, who brought his young owner back from depression. n To find out more, visit www.bluecross.org.uk/medal www.rescueandanimalcare.com

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A potted history of pet food We’re spoilt for choice today with lots of great advice and excellent pet food products.

We can buy everything our pet needs to eat either in the shops, at the vets or online

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he wealth of advice available is easy to find and enables us to tailor our pet’s eating habits to its own needs and our own preferences.

But how did the pet food industry start, and what did we feed our pets on before? And how, with lots of natural and raw products now available, is the way we feed our pets perhaps turning full circle? What can we learn from the past to help us think about how we feed our pets today?

Anyone who owns a dog will know that

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they can be, given half the chance, a bit of a dustbin when it comes to food!

They eat what you give them, then the ‘hoover’ the kitchen floor for wayward scraps, sit poised beneath dinner tables, gaze at biscuit crumbs falling from their owner’s hand and generally rarely say no to anything. If you have ever dropped a crisp, chip or biscuit then you will know that dogs could give an Olympic athlete a run for their money off the starting blocks.

However, it is this instinct for survival – and survival is linked with food - which has meant that dogs have been around for as long as they have. In the days before tin openers, dog bowls with poodles on and bags of doggy delights, dogs obviously managed. But how?

The first commercial dog food started its life in the mid-1880s, in London at the hand of an American. Electrician James Spratt, working and living on London, noticed that dogs around the shipyards were eating scraps of discarded biscuits (for sailors, presumably, as biscuits were a sensible food to take on sea voyages). Obviously an electrician with a light bulb moment,

29 NOVEMBER 2020 – 29 JANUARY 2021 RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE

James created a dog food product made up of wheat, vegetables and meat. By 1890, production had begun in the United States. Spratt’s Patent Dog Biscuit was soon being credited for doggy success in competitions. Still in America, canned meat for dogs was introduced after World War I as a practical, if rather sad, means to dispose of deceased horses. In the period after World War II, pet food sales (including cat food) had reached $200m. Clearly, a convenient dog food was a hugely palatable choice for dog owners looking to save time.

But what about before James Spratt’s ingenuity saw an opportunity?

Unsurprisingly, the equally ingenuous Romans had a view on feeding their dogs. The ‘swift hounds and the fierce Mastiff’ should not be cared for last, they said, but they should be fed whey. Later in history, ‘milk and fat’ was suggested.

In the 1700s, a French dictionary suggests a paste made of a mixture of bread crumbs and small pieces of meat was a popular dog food (but it doesn’t say whether the meat was raw or cooked). During the same period, www.rescueandanimalcare.com

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“We can buy everything our pet needs to eat either in the shops, at the vets or online.” country folk would remove the liver, heart, and blood of hunted deer and mix it which milk, cheese, and bread to create dog food. Again no mention of whether the innards were given raw or cooked, but it does imply they were fed raw.

Back in England, we were giving our own thought to what to feed our pooches, though documented advice unsurprisingly refers to dogs kept for countryside pursuits presumably as their performance and ability to keep by their master’s side was valuable. In 1785, the Sportsman's Dictionary carried an article entitled simply ‘Dog’ and it gave this advice: “A dog is of a very hot nature: he should therefore never be without clean water by him, that he may drink when he is thirsty. In regard to their food, carrion is by no means proper for them. It must hurt their sense of smelling, on which the excellence of these dogs greatly depends.” (Carrion is the decaying flesh of dead animals.) They went on to mention barley meal, wheat flour, sheep’s feet baked or boiled and greaves (a sediment from the process of rendering animal fat). It also says that when you ‘indulge’ the dog with ‘flesh’,

www.rescueandanimalcare.com

it should be boiled. When out and about hunting, milk and bread was considered a suitable refreshment.

In 1833, The Complete Farrier gave similar advice on feeding dogs and recognise the correlation between food and lifestyle: “The dog is neither wholly carnivorous nor wholly herbivorous, but of a mixed kind, and can receive nourishment from either flesh or vegetables. A mixture of both is therefore his proper food, but of the former he requires a greater portion, and this portion should be always determined by his bodily exertions.”

Around about the same time, the Victorians started keeping rabbits in hutches. Admittedly, this was more because they were keeping them for their meat. Of course, we now know that rabbits need far more than a small hutch to be happy as by nature they are foragers. Little is known about what the Victorians fed their rabbits on, but it is likely they gathered for them the sort of leaf the rabbits would have foraged for themselves. Today, we keep our domestic rabbits as pets and give them a hutch, some company and a run but modern rabbit food bought in bags mimics the tasty morsels a foraging rabbit would find for himself.

What this research tells us is that when we are thinking about dog food in particular, and how we feed our canine

companions, is something we have pondered throughout our history. Many older readers will remember themselves that before tins and sacks, dogs were fed on scraps, leftovers and, in the case of farming families, butchery bits and bobs we didn’t want to eat ourselves.

Cats ate birds and mice (modern cat food contains taurine because of this).

Rabbits ate leaves and grass gathered by us. We seem to now be in a point in time when we have a lot of interesting and useful information to make decisions ourselves. For example, we do not need to simply throw some tins, bags and pouches into our trollies but we can decide for ourselves (often with our vet’s advice or the advice of an animal nutritionist) from the wealth of options. Also, as more and more of us are reverting to a simpler way of running a kitchen, cooking and eating with less reliance on ready meals and convenience food (and some ’food’ which isn’t really food such as confectionery and junk food), we may decide to re-think our pet’s food as well.

Whilst we can’t go off and butcher our own freshly-shot stag (or want to!) we can rely on the pet food manufacturers who are presenting us with more considered options. Like James Spratt in the 1880s, they are recognising a need and giving us the solution.

RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE 29 NOVEMBER 2020 – 29 JANUARY 2021

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Royal Canin reminds owners of the hidden dangers of festive foods Pets are part of our family and so it can be tempting to include them in the celebrations by spoiling them with titbits and festive treats

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ut good intentions could put them in danger if we are unaware of the risks that certain foods pose.

Some foods are toxic to our pets and can make them unwell or even risk their lives.

Royal Canin reminds owners of the foods to keep away from their pets Chocolate:

Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine which are both toxic. The amount of caffeine and theobromine varies depending upon the type of chocolate. White chocolate contains only very small quantities, so it has a lower toxic risk. Milk chocolate contains a larger quantity of these compounds and dark chocolate contains the highest concentration. Toxic effects can occur after only a relatively small dose of dark chocolate.

Raisins, sultanas, currants and grapes:

These can all be found in many festive foods such as Christmas cake, Christmas pudding, mince pies and stollen. What is really tricky, is that no one knows how consuming these causes poisoning in cats and dogs. The toxic dose of grapes or dried fruit is unknown, although poisoning has been reported to occur after the ingestion of only a few grapes in small dogs.

Nuts:

Macadamia nuts have been reported in dogs rather than cats, and like grapes/raisins, the toxic dose is unknown.

Onions and garlic:

Dogs and cats are highly susceptible to onions and garlic, which are often hidden in foods such as gravy and stuffing. The toxic agent within onions and garlic causes damage to red blood cells, meaning that they cannot carry oxygen. It can lead to haemolytic anaemia, which is where the red blood cells are destroyed faster than they can be produced. Garlic, leek, shallots and chives are all part of the onion family and so will also have the same effect on your pet and has a cumulative effect.

85% of dogs are treated to a full Christmas dinner with all the trimmings

Royal Canin asked 2,000 UK dog owners in winter 2019 about their feeding habits over Christmas and 85% of owners admitted to feeing their dog a whole Christmas dinner to make them feel part of the family on Christmas day.

As well as Christmas dinner, the research found that owners fed their pets a number of festive ‘treats’ – many of which contain ingredients that are toxic to cats and dogs, such as onions, chocolate, dried fruits and nuts: l l l l

Pigs in blankets (94%) Stuffing (71%) Mince pies (9%) Chocolate yule log (7%)

Unscheduled trips to the vet

Two fifths (39%) of respondents admitted that they have needed to make an unscheduled trip to the vets as a result of something their dog had eaten, with an average unexpected vet

bill of a staggering £890. With Christmas being an expensive time of year, this is something that most owners could do without.

Although rich fatty foods are not toxic to your pet, they can cause vomiting and diarrhoea or - if consumed in large enough quantities – they can lead to pancreatitis – a very painful and severe condition that can be expensive to treat.

Dr Lauren Hayes, Vet and Scientific Affairs Manager at Royal Canin said, “It’s always best to keep chocolates, mince pies, cakes and sweets in high up cupboards away from your dog’s reach, including gift wrapped treats that would usually be under the Christmas tree. Similarly, don’t hang chocolate decorations on low branches.”

She continued, “If you know your pet has eaten something from the list above or if it appears unwell and shows symptoms such as vomiting, lethargy, panting, tremors, weakness, pale gums or fast breathing, then consult your vet urgently”. n For further information visit www.royalcanin.com

We are delighted to support the Animal Charities featured in this Magazine Tel: 01952 245330 24

29 NOVEMBER 2020 – 29 JANUARY 2021 RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE

www.dogmatic.org.uk www.rescueandanimalcare.com

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Autumn & Winter breaks available

www.rescueandanimalcare.com

RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE 29 NOVEMBER 2020 – 29 JANUARY 2021

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Dogmatic are extremely proud to announce that they are Winners of the ‘Product I can’t live without’ category of the Your Dog Magazine Product Awards 2021

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his is a wonderful achievement for Dogmatic to become the first Company to win such an amazing accolade for the Eighth Time in a Category that spans the Pet Product Market.

We are incredibly proud and grateful that our Customers have taken the time to post in their votes once again, despite the current unprecedented times we are All dealing with.

We do hope that the Dogmatic has helped you continue to walk your Dog/s and enjoy one of the few activities we have been able to experience this year.

Thank you so much to All of you for taking the time to vote for us and for this wonderful win!! It really does mean

wish you and your dogs a very Happy and Healthy 2021.

We are always delighted to hear how much the Dogmatic Headcollar has helped Owners and their Dogs and it is their ‘must have’ Product. It is wonderful to have such a loyal, growing Customer base who continue to ‘spread the word’ about Dogmatic.

a great deal to us.

We would like to thank you All once again for your continued support and

n For further details on our Award winning Range telephone: 01952 245330 or visit www.dogmatic.org.uk to see the many Customer photos, testimonials and videos from across the Globe.

Sharp-thinking vets praised for open and shut case of safety pin-swallowing puppy The owners of a Labrador puppy who swallowed an open safety pin have praised the sharp response of the Internal Medicine team at Davies Veterinary Specialists (Davies) for safely retrieving the dangerous spring clasp from the puppy’s oesophagus.

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ella, a typically inquisitive seven-month-old Labrador Retriever ate the pin while rummaging in a bin, having escaped through a pet gate that had been left open accidentally. She was caught in the act by her owners Will Maisey and Sarah Ritchie, who live in Milton Keynes, but quickly swallowed the inadvisable appetiser before they had a chance to grab her. She was rushed to her local pet emergency clinic Vets Now in Milton Keynes and X-rays showed that the safety pin was lying in her oesophagus. She was referred to the internal medicine team at Davies, the Linnaeus-owned referral practice in Hertfordshire, for emergency treatment.

“It wasn’t possible to tell from her X-ray if the safety pin had perforated the oesophagus or not,” said Emma Rogers-Smith Internal Medicine Resident at Davies. “We discussed the options with the emergency team at Vets Now: either giving Bella a meal and making her sick or performing an emergency endoscopy.

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“Whilst it was very likely that making her sick would have enabled the safety pin to be passed without complication, there was the risk of damage to the oesophagus which could lead to a life-threatening pneumothorax and subsequently require emergency surgery.

“Because of this risk the referring vets felt it was best to send Bella to us,” continued Emma. “But there is still a risk of oesophageal damage with endoscopic removal, especially given the fact that the safety pin was open”.

Bella was anaesthetised and the safety pin was retrieved from her distal oesophagus with both the anaesthesia and soft tissue surgery teams on standby in case she needed emergency surgery. Thankfully there were no complications with the procedure. Bella recovered quickly and was discharged the same afternoon.

“Bella is a typical Labrador puppy and always hungry,” said Will Maisey. “We pin the problem on her gluttony everything, whether it’s food or not, is potentially gourmet cuisine to her. The

29 NOVEMBER 2020 – 29 JANUARY 2021 RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE

pin was only in the bin because Sarah had inadvertently thrown it away with a printed number from a recent running competition!

“We were understandably distraught, but Emma was so quick, efficient and skilled with the emergency endoscopy and now Bella is back to her normal exuberant self. In future we will be double checking the pet gate and keeping discarded safety pins closed!” n Davies Veterinary Specialists (Davies) https://vetspecialists.co.uk and Vets Now https://www.vets-now.com www.rescueandanimalcare.com

Issue 12 I Winter 2020 I themayhew.org

In this issue...

Care packages for vulnerable animals this winter What’s next for ‘Covid kittens’?

Keeping your pets safe in colder weather

WINTER 2020

Front cover image: A cattery resident, 2020. Photo by Pooch & Pineapple.

Our vision

A society where people understand the importance and value of animal welfare.

Our mission

To promote animal welfare by delivering a broad range of community-based veterinary, care and education services in the UK and overseas.

Editor: Shelley Warnaby shelley@mayhewanimalhome.org Design: arc, www.arc-cs.com

Many thanks to our contributors and photographers: Charlie Care, Jess Feehan, Audrey Granger, Marie Claire Macintosh, Pooch & Pineapple, Natassja Yoxall.

Printed on 100% recycled paper. Please pass on to a friend and recycle after reading.

Contact us

@

info@mayhewanimalhome.org 0208 962 8000

Mayhew, Trenmar Gardens, Kensal Green, London, NW10 6BJ www.themayhew.org Join us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter @themayhew Registered charity number: 1077588 VAT number: 820 4030 87

Company limited by guarantee number: 3837732 2 I

Hello and welcome to your winter issue of Tails

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s we head towards the end of the year, it’s tempting to think ‘good riddance’ to 2020.

But for all the tough times we have faced in recent months, there’s also comfort to be found in how we’ve rallied together, albeit virtually!

Like many of you, we turned to technology to stay in touch with our amazing friends, supporters and much-missed volunteers through online events, social media, email and video calls.

It’s also allowed us to keep vital services running, such as our animal assisted intervention programme TheraPaws. Turn to page 10 to find out just how important that has been for some of the young people our therapy teams help.

So, if the holiday season does end up looking a little different, never fear – we’re pandemic pros now! Our online shopping guide (page 13) will help you stay safe and support our animals at the same time, while the Mayhew Christmas quiz (pages 24 and 25) is guaranteed fun for all the family, whether you’re gathered round a table or on a laptop screen.

However you’re celebrating this Christmas, we hope it’s full of joy and may the new year bring us all good things!

Contents 04

A letter from our CEO

05

10

TheraPaws®: helping improve young people’s mental health

16

In praise of older dogs

Mayhew news

12

06

A tribute to Chester

07

No cat or dog left behind

Guest chat: Sir Tony Robinson

13

18

Mayhew International

Support Mayhew while you shop this Christmas

14

Looking after your pet’s health this winter

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More famous faces and feline friends

24

It’s quiz time!

08

A kitten season like no other

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Your letters

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WINTER 2020

A year of unprecedented challenges and achievements

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ur CEO Caroline Yates looks at the challenges and successes of this momentous year and considers the way forward for Mayhew as we move into 2021.

Dear supporter,

2020 has been a year of unforeseen challenges as well as great achievements for Mayhew. It has been a time of pulling together, with initial shutdown followed by nimble adaptation of our vital community programmes and services to ensure we could continue to respond to those dogs, cats and vulnerable owners in need, despite – and indeed because of – the impact of Covid-19. We are now considering what further challenges 2021 will bring, not only with the rise in demand for our services but also, undoubtedly, as we face a squeeze on some of our fundraising income, our organisation’s lifeblood.

But first, let’s reflect on the successes of 2020.

Mayhew has a super-resilient and completely dedicated team of staff who have worked hard throughout lockdown and ongoing restrictions this year, even adapting our TheraPaws programme so we could continue to provide the comfort and joy of interaction with dogs to those who need it most.

We have delivered emergency care packages to our most vulnerable pet owners and, once rehoming was allowed again, created an astoundingly successful process of virtual adoption, which has enabled us to rehome almost as many cats as last year in spite of the two-month hiatus! Likewise, our incredible Veterinary team continued to provide excellent treatment and care for our animals, and ensured our clinic clients didn’t go without vital vaccinations and parasite control for their much-loved pets.

Our wonderful international teams in Afghanistan and Georgia, also dealing with the impact of Covid-19

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and restrictions, were still able to reach significant milestones and help thousands of dogs in their territories. You can read more about their work on pages 18 to 21.

It is becoming clear that this winter, for so many of us, will be like no other, but Mayhew will still be here to help where we can. We will care for the dogs and cats that remain with us over the holidays, with some extra festive treats and cuddles too, and we will be a lifeline for many of our more vulnerable clients, who may need some additional help at this time of year. Please do read more about how we are helping those in need on page 7.

Before the tumultuous changes of 2020, Mayhew was preparing a new strategy for 2021–2024. However, the coming year will now be one of recovery and consolidation, ensuring we continue to carry out the unique work Mayhew does best: giving the best possible care, treatment and support to our clients both four-legged and two-, while working hard to bring in the funds to facilitate our mission.

I would like to thank all of you for your generosity this year. We have all been so grateful and touched by the amazing support and messages received – they have really helped boost our determination to weather the storm. We honestly couldn’t have done what we have this year without you. I’d like to also say thank you to our fantastic volunteers, many of whom we haven’t seen in person since March – we miss you!

We may not be celebrating Christmas in the usual manner, and it will be difficult for many, but from all of us at Mayhew, we wish you a peaceful festive season and look forward to your continued support throughout 2021. Thank you.

Caroline Yates

We have all been so grateful and touched by the amazing support and messages received – they have really helped boost our determination to weather the storm.

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News

ZOOMING

in to raise money for Mayhew International

A 5H fundraiser from our friends at Bolt

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n International Dog Day, ridehailing car and scooter service Bolt encouraged their followers to get involved on social media to raise funds for Mayhew. They pledged to donate £1 for every ‘like’ received on their Instagram post – and raised an incredible £5,000 for our work! We are so grateful to Bolt and to everyone who took part.

Find out more about Bolt and download the app at bolt.eu.

Beautiful Bowie, home at last!

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n early November, long-stayer Bowie left Mayhew after a whopping 672 days in our care. This lovely 12-year-old girl is settling in brilliantly with her new family, who told us, “Bowie bounced into our lives with the biggest smile and waggiest tail – how lucky we are! She’s full of character, super social and loves nothing more than a chinwag with the punters in the bar we run, interspersed with squirrel gazing, ball games and sofa snoozing. We can’t imagine life without our ‘Grande Olde Dame of the Grafton’, as she’s lovingly been nicknamed.”

n November, we held our first virtual event in aid of our work in Afghanistan and Georgia. The event was introduced by actor and supporter Ben Miles and featured live links to Dr Mo in Kabul and Dr Ana in Tbilisi, who gave the audience in-person updates on their work and showed footage from teams on the ground. This was followed by a lively Q&A where our supporters had the chance to ask questions. With the help of Mayhew supporters far and wide, as well as event sponsor PetsPyjamas, we were able to raise £1,600 for our international projects.

Could you offer a home to an older dog?

Turn to pages 16 and 17, where our Dog Adoption Officer flies the flag for ‘golden oldies’.

Christmas

opening times

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ur adoption office will be closed during the Christmas period from 21 December, reopening on 4 January 2021. To meet the dogs and cats in our care who are looking for forever homes, please visit themayhew.org/rehome.

Our Community Vet Clinic will be running vaccination clinics on 22, 24, 30 December and 2 January. To make an appointment, please call 020 8962 8017 or email vetclinic@mayhewanimalhome.org.

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WINTER 2020

A tribute to Chester

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ull mastiff cross Chester came into Mayhew as a stray in 2016, after which he found his forever home with the Brunton family. They had over four happy years together until Chester passed away this summer.

Owner Mark Brunton remembers their very special boy.

We lost our Labrador, Bailey, in 2015 and, like so many pet owners, said we couldn’t go through such heartache again. But then our home and our lives felt so empty without a four-legged friend. We had always 6 I

rehomed rescue pups, so we started looking at rescue centres online. When we found Mayhew’s website, the first thing we saw was a video of Chester. He had been mistreated and had been through so much in the first four years of his life. We instantly knew he belonged with us in our home, to be loved and looked after.

We contacted Mayhew and arranged to meet Chester that weekend. My wife and I drove from Northamptonshire to London and were so excited – we couldn’t wait to meet him. Words can’t really express what a beautiful, happy, gentle soul he was. He bounded out of his kennel towards us and gave us big hugs. We were immediately smitten and knew he would be part of our family – a big part! After a couple more visits and a home check, we were finally able to bring him home.

He settled in almost immediately. Our children and grandchildren fell in love with him and Chester adored them too. He was so happy, and he loved his walks and playing with his doggy friends – he would run about

like a 10-stone puppy! He had a few health issues along the way but we dealt with them together, and he always bounced back. He loved to sunbathe in the garden on his favourite rug, and in the winter he would park himself in front of the log burner and wouldn’t move! He snored and slobbered and was just so funny – he made us laugh every day.

Chester loved paddling in the sea, and earlier this year we took him to Whitley Bay, on the north-east coast of England, where we explored rock pools and he ran along the sand with us. It was such a joy. Sadly, he became ill very quickly after our holiday.

He was diagnosed with lymphoma and our vet did everything possible, but he stopped eating and drinking and could barely walk.

We knew we had to let our boy go. It was the hardest thing we have had to do. He passed away peacefully in September aged nine.

We will never forget you Chester. Thank you for brightening our lives. We will love you forever.

No cat or dog left behind this winter

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s we head into the festive period still facing the threat of a pandemic, we need your help to deliver 100 care packages to support vulnerable animals. Whatever the future holds, Mayhew will be here for dogs, cats and communities this winter.

Our first lockdown appeal

In spring, as the Covid-19 lockdown transformed the nation, we appealed for donations on our website, through social media and via email so we could get vital supplies to pets and animals in need.

We were blown away by your generosity.

With the incredible £10,000 you raised during our first lockdown appeal, our Animal Welfare Officers (AWOs) were able to provide dozens of care packages, make over 150 visits and handle over 1,000 calls with vulnerable pet owners and concerned members of the public. For the animals and people we supported, our services really were a lifeline. You made that possible.

Another chance to help

Over nine months later, with a cold, dark winter firmly settled in and the impact of the pandemic sadly far from over, we need your help once again. We are launching a second appeal: this time to supply over 100 care packages and offer essential phone and in-person assistance. With your support, our AWOs, Vet team and animal care staff will be able to ensure that we keep as many cats and dogs as healthy as possible.

We will be safely delivering our bespoke care packages to those cats and dogs who need them. They will include essential items like warm coats, light-up collars, flea and worming treatments, microchipping, toys and other enrichment items. They will also provide the food these animals need to get through the winter, which has kindly been donated by Burns pet food.

In addition, funds raised from this appeal will mean that our AWOs can continue to take calls from people worried about their pets or stray and feral animals as temperatures fall. During such a stressful and isolating time, their friendly, expert voices at the end of the phone will help to ensure cats and dogs are kept safe this winter.

How to support us

This time of year is traditionally when Mayhew is touched to receive physical items from our supporters to hand out to animals in need – or to put in their Christmas stockings! – but we can’t accept gifts like toys, food or coats from the public due to the continuing coronavirus restrictions. Instead, a donation to this appeal today is absolutely vital.

You can find details of how to contribute to our appeal in the cover letter of this magazine. Thank you for your ongoing support.

WE NEED YOUR HELP

By supporting our appeal, you can help make our winter care packages as useful as possible for animals in need.

• A donation of £25 could go towards a course of flea and worming treatment for one vulnerable cat or dog struggling this winter.

• A donation of £15 could provide a warm coat for the dog of a person experiencing homelessness this winter.

• A donation of £10 could allow us to microchip an elderly person’s cat while their owner is unable to leave the house.

• A donation of £5 could allow us to feed a feral cat colony, helping them to survive the winter months when food is scarce.

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WINTER 2020

A kitten season like no other

‘Kitten season’ historically takes place during the warmer months of the year, a time when cats breed more and there is a sharp rise in the number of domestic, stray and feral kittens born. This year, we have seen an even greater number of female cats and their young offspring needing our help, no doubt a result of the restrictions imposed to tackle Covid-19.

As always, our Animal Welfare Officers (AWOs) have been busy taking calls from members of the public and working in the community to help sick and injured animals.

They have been inundated with calls about strays, abandoned kittens and increased numbers of cats in feral colonies.

“

As routine operations like neutering were put on hold during the lockdown, we have experienced a continuous influx in unwanted litters of kittens and abandoned cats, which has added to the already ongoing cat crisis which Mayhew tackles on a day-to-day basis.

Zoe Edwards, Head of Animal Welfare

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“

From March, many animal welfare organisations and veterinary practices, including Mayhew, have had to halt or limit neutering services due to pandemic restrictions, which has meant fewer cats have been neutered. It has been estimated there could have been an extra 84,000 kittens born during kitten season this year as a result.

Knowing the impact of the coronavirus could make for an especially demanding year, compounding the increased numbers of cats and kittens coming into Mayhew in the summer months, we alerted our volunteer kitten foster carers to ensure they were ready to step up. We also recruited an additional 20 cat and kitten foster carers this year so we would be in a stronger position to help those in need.

Here are just two of the cases we have dealt with in recent months.

Deja and her kittens left without a home

This summer, two-year-old mum Deja and her litter of four young kittens – Demi, Dottie, Dudley and Darla – were abandoned at a private vet, which didn’t have the >

facilities to look after animals permanently.

The vet called Mayhew and the feline family was quickly signed over into our care. Our AWOs brought them back to Mayhew, and our Cattery team tucked them up in a cosy cabin in our special Kitten Block so we could check their health and get them ready to be rehomed. We are very glad to say that Deja and all four of her kittens were quickly snapped up by adopters and have happily settled in with their new families.

Peeky’s search for shelter

A homeowner in north-west London received a shock when a stray tabby, who she noticed had visited the house multiple times over the past few days, suddenly carried three newborn kittens into the kitchen. One-year-old Peeky had given birth to her babies on a nearby roof, but seems to have decided that the house she had scouted would make the perfect maternity ward!

Luckily the homeowner called us, and once the family were settled in at Mayhew, our vets checked them over to make sure they were healthy. Peeky and her kittens were then placed with one of our dedicated foster carers, who is giving them a safe and loving home until they are ready to find their forever families.

Vital services up and running

We are currently running as many of our services as we can under social distancing restrictions. While our vet clinic is able to treat and care for our in-house animals, we are unfortunately unable to provide our usual outpatient neutering services; however, our AWOs continue to respond to calls to rescue abandoned or sick and injured animals. They have also now been able to resume bringing in feral cats to be neutered under our Trap, Neuter, Return programme. As Head of Animal Welfare Zoe Edwards explains, it is essential that we keep such programmes running: “With the growing financial troubles in society, there are concerns more pets will suffer, and Mayhew’s outreach support services and rescue response will continue to be very much in demand.”

Find out more about our work with the feral cat population and how you can help us spread awareness at themayhew.org/feral-advocat.

84,000 extra kittens could be born during kitten season this year as a result of restrictions on neutering due to the coronavirus.

Cats Protection: cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/neuteringand-vaccinations/neutering-your-cat.

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TheraPaws®: helping improve young people’s mental health

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hen you think of our animal assisted intervention programme, TheraPaws, you may well think of the brilliant volunteers and their four-legged companions who visit care homes and hospitals, bringing some light into the lives of residents and patients in need.

But did you know that TheraPaws also works in young people’s mental health facilities, playing an important role in their recovery?

Research undertaken by Mayhew and Middlesex University last year found that regular interaction with an animal can improve quality of life by up to 12%, a benefit which feels more pertinent than ever amid a global pandemic. With many vital NHS services feeling the strain due to Covid-19, programmes such as TheraPaws have an increasingly significant part to play in supporting the mental health of young people.

Young people have told us how they enjoy and look forward to their TheraPaws visits and have spoken about how spending time with the dog boosts their mood, helps them overcome their embarrassment about needing treatment, and enables them to open up to staff and make friends with other young people in the unit.

When Covid-19 restrictions came in earlier this year, in-person TheraPaws visits had to be suspended across London, including at mental health venues. The difficulty of not being able to meet up every week was felt by our volunteers, the venue staff and their patients, with ‘virtual visits’ over Zoom only serving to illustrate the importance of face-to -face interaction between the dogs and young people. So, we have been thrilled to be able to get back to work in person since the summer.

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LAVENDER WALK ADOLESCENT UNIT

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I definitely feel like Tilly elevates my mood. The sessions are so soothing and calming; if I’m feeling overwhelmed, or a bit anxious or on the edge, or anything like that, it’s really nice just to sit with Tilly and stroke her.

Helen (17)

The patients and staff at Lavender Walk were relieved to see TheraPaws team Francesca and Portuguese water dog Tilly back on the ward. The inpatient unit supports teenagers aged 13–18 with complex mental health issues and has been part of our TheraPaws programme since April 2019.

*Names have been changed to protect identities.

“The visits from Francesca and Tilly are the highlight of the week for most of our young people,” explains Lead Occupational Therapist Sarah Crawley. “The sessions provide a consistent opportunity for self-regulation and calming, alongside a low-pressure social environment in which to interact, often regarding current affairs and interests. The absence of this during the first lockdown was extremely visible on the ward, both due to the sudden lack of structure and predictability and also the loss of connection to the community beyond the hospital. It’s very easy to witness the mood lift TheraPaws visits create in young people and staff, and we’re thrilled to have Francesca and Tilly back!”

TheraPaws volunteer Francesca was equally excited: “Having visited Lavender Walk for over a year and seeing the difference it makes to the kids (and staff), I was aware how much Tilly’s visits would be missed by everyone. I was so delighted when we were invited back in-person in July. With social distancing guidelines it has worked so well, and Tilly and I love being back in the unit for our weekly visits. The kids are delighted to have her too.”

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IT’S GOOD TO BE BACK

COLLINGHAM CHILD AND FAMILY CENTRE

“Understandably, we couldn’t resume our TheraPaws visits to see vulnerable elderly patients with dementia, but we are very happy to have started visits to the children’s hospital.”

What TheraPaws means to us Patients at Lavender Walk Helen* (17) and Rose* (13) tell us what difference Tilly’s visits have made to their treatment.

“I wasn’t really talking to anyone when I came, but then I saw a poster of Tilly and I got really excited. During the sessions you sort of bond with the other patients; you can all talk about animals and talk to Francesca, and it’s just really fun.” Rose “I definitely feel like Tilly elevates my mood. The sessions are so soothing and calming; if I’m feeling overwhelmed, or a bit anxious or on the edge, or anything like that, it’s really nice just to sit with Tilly and stroke her.” Helen

We are committed to continuing to improve the lives and experiences of service users like Helen and Rose over the winter months, and are working hard to help take the pressure off key workers at venues like Collingham and Lavender Walk.

Another venue glad to have TheraPaws back is Collingham Child and Family Centre, an inpatient unit for children under 13 with complex mental health issues. Mayhew has been partnered with Collingham since October 2019, and experienced TheraPaws team Marina and her golden retriever Luna have been visiting since this August.

“It was great to have the virtual therapy dog input throughout the lockdown period,” says Lee Garey, Collingham’s Lead Occupational Therapist, “and when the TheraPaws visits restarted in person it brought a whole lot more to our therapy programme! The young people always look forward to the sessions and staff can see how it helps their confidence, social skills and mood.”

Marina agrees: “It was great to resume visits in person for me and Luna as no virtual interactions – even though they were lots of fun during the first lockdown – can replace real human/animal contact.

The power of animal assisted therapy

“It has been great to be able to return to in-person visits at some of our venues, especially at a time when looking after our mental health is needed more than ever. We have also been able to recruit more TheraPaws teams, which has been fantastic and means we can reach more children and young people who would benefit from animal assisted therapy. The connections that are being made between the dogs and the people we visit are so powerful, and this can be seen not only in the room, but also long after the TheraPaws sessions have ended.”

Niamh Carwood, TheraPaws Programme Coordinator

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Guest chat:

Sir Tony Robinson

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ctor, presenter and award-winning author Sir Tony Robinson famously played Baldrick in the classic television comedy Blackadder and presented Channel 4’s longrunning archaeology series Time Team. We are really fortunate to count Sir Tony as a Mayhew supporter and were delighted to have the opportunity to talk to him about his love of animals and his interest in our TheraPaws® programme.

What inspired your love for animals?

We had pets when I was a kid, but it was only when I was approaching my middle years that I began to realise how extraordinarily wonderful animals are and that we shame ourselves if we don’t honour them. When my wife and I had our first dog, Winnie, a rescue Yorkie cross, it was love at first sight – even though she smelled pretty terrible for the first few days!

Why do you think TheraPaws (Mayhew’s dog-assisted therapy programme) is so important?

I was really pleased when Mayhew published research showing the impact of the TheraPaws programme in care homes.

When my mum had dementia and was in a care home, I watched with awe as the old people’s faces were transformed every time an animal came into a room. I think

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now, in times of Covid-19, carers might think about how they could incorporate pets into the lives of the elderly to prevent their isolation from being so total.

used to be called ‘ritual’, but I’m sure love comes into it too, and my children’s book Pets explores this in some detail.

I think we could do a lot better than we do now. One silver lining to the coronavirus pandemic is that a lot of people are realising how important good animal husbandry is to protect ourselves from future pandemics.

That could be a great place to start looking at animal life in a fresh way.

Our latest dog is a wonderful seven-yearold Westie called Holly Berry. She can’t see very well and often bumps into small trees if she’s not concentrating. My dream Christmas present would be for her to suddenly get her sight back when we’re taking her for a walk on Christmas day.

Do you think animal welfare is improving?

While presenting Time Team, did you uncover any evidence of the human–animal bond in archaeological records?

Zooarchaeology is a fascinating area of study which is only just being recognised.

There are examples worldwide of prehistoric humans being buried with animals. This

Finally, it’s coming up to Christmas, so we have to ask – what are you wishing for this year?

To find out more about TheraPaws and the groundbreaking research on animal assisted interventions, head to themayhew.org/ therapaws.

Support Mayhew while you shop this Christmas If you’re looking for last-minute gifts for friends and family, you’ll find some pawsome presents for both your two- and four-legged friends in our online shop: shop.themayhew.org.. Plus, every purchase you make helps us continue our work to improve the lives of dogs, cats and communities at our Home in London and overseas.

Remember to order before 14 December for Christmas delivery.

Find more products at shop. themayhew.org.

Bamboo dog bowl Bamboo cat bowl

Mayhew x Freak Meowt catnip hearts

Mayhew 2021 cat and dog calendars

Feline Fine gel hand sanitiser with cover Reusable face coverings

THE BEST OF THE REST

Did you know that you can also support us while shopping elsewhere online? Here are a few of our favourite shopping schemes where you can purchase gifts and lend a hand to the animals in our care at the same time – at no extra cost to you! You can find all these and more on our website: themayhew.org/ donate/support-while-you-shop.

PETS AT HOME LIFELINES

Every time VIP club members shop at Pets at Home and swipe their VIP card when making a purchase, they receive ‘Lifelines’ to go towards their nominated charity. These are converted into vouchers that we can then spend on treats and toys for our animals. Sign up via vip.petsathome.com.

EASYFUNDRAISING®

LOVIMALS

DONTSENDMEACARD

AMAZONSMILE

Register with easyfundraising.org.uk, the UK’s biggest charity shopping site, and stores like John Lewis, Boots and Marks & Spencer will donate a percentage of a product’s purchase price to the charity of your choice. You’ll find a list of participating stores on their website.

Send a special e-card to a loved one for any occasion through dontsendmeacard.com and the money you would have spent on a paper card will be donated to Mayhew – just choose our name from their list of charities when you get started.

Lovimals sells high-quality personalised gifts for pets and pet lovers, such as customised socks, pet blankets and mugs printed with your own pet’s face. Mayhew will receive 15% from all sales made when you click through from our website.

If you regularly shop with Amazon, why not switch to AmazonSmile (smile.amazon.co.uk)?

Select Mayhew as your chosen charity and Amazon will give us 0.5% of the net purchase price of any eligible product you buy.

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Looking after your pet’s health this winter

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s tempting as it can be for us humans to stay inside during colder weather, it’s still important for our pets to get their daily exercise. When you do venture out, there are a few extra things to be mindful of once the temperature drops, so we asked our Veterinary team to share their advice for keeping dogs and cats safe outside in winter.

Walking in a winter wonderland

Road traffic accidents are one of the most common causes of injury during the winter months. Try to schedule your walks during daylight hours if possible. If you do need to walk your dog in the dark, take a torch with you and use a reflective collar or coat to help your pet be seen by other road users.

Make sure that your dog is wearing an identification disc on their collar and that their microchip is up to date.

Salt and grit used to de-ice roads and footpaths causes irritation to pets’ paws and can be extremely toxic when ingested. Be sure to wash and dry dirty paws when you and your dog get home or when your cat comes in from time outside. Applying a pet-safe paw balm daily can help prevent paw pads from drying out.

When the weather outside is frightful

Clumps of ice and snow can build up between your dog’s paw pads, particularly in breeds with fluffy paws. To minimise this, keep paw hair trimmed down. Doggy booties are available, but many dogs find wearing these stressful so they should only be used if your pet has particularly sensitive feet or is prone to paw pad injuries.

Antifreeze often contains a chemical called ethylene glycol which is extremely toxic to dogs and cats but is unfortunately also tempting because of its sweet taste. This chemical is also found in windscreen de-icer, brake fluid and ornamental snow globes, and ingesting as little as a teaspoon can be fatal.

Winter is a wonderful “ time to be enjoyed by

you and your pet. Ensure your dog walks are just as fun and safe by keeping a close lookout for a few hazards that can accompany colder weather.

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Amy, Senior Veterinary Nurse

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walks!

Remem ber to lo ok afte this win ry ter too ! Wearin ourself shoes, g suitab warm c loth le visibility jacket o ing and a high r a heading rmband s when o acciden ut will help you ts and m avoid ak dog wa lks are a e sure your s enjoya ble as poss ible

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Consider keeping your cats in overnight and letting them outside for shorter periods of time, but only if this is something they will be happy with. After each adventure outside, always give your pet a thorough look-over to make sure they’re not covered in any unwanted elements of the outside.

Lucy, Head Veterinary Nurse

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Wrap u p on

Early symptoms of antifreeze poisoning include wobbliness, excessive thirst and vomiting. If you suspect that your pet has ingested antifreeze, you should contact your vet as soon as possible so an antidote can be given. Antifreeze products containing propylene glycol are more expensive but much safer for both pets and wildlife, so please consider using these instead.

Baby, it’s cold outside

Hypothermia is a dangerous drop in body temperature. Pets are most at risk of hypothermia if they are outside for too long or are suddenly exposed to low temperatures, for example by falling into icy water or even being left in a cold car. Older pets, very young pets and small animals are most vulnerable to hypothermia. Symptoms include shivering, pale gums, lethargy, confusion and poor coordination. If your pet displays any of these symptoms, bring them inside, warm them up gradually, dry them off with warm towels (if wet) and wrap them in a cosy blanket. Call your vet immediately for advice, as it is a good idea to have your pet checked over even if they seem to have returned to normal.

Some breeds of dog, such as greyhounds, have thin coats and will benefit from wearing a jacket on walks to help them stay warm. Breeds with

a double coat, such as huskies, are naturally suited to cold weather so they shouldn’t need to wear a coat and may actually find it too hot! Make sure that your dog’s coat is a good fit, as a poorly fitted coat can rub as your dog walks, potentially causing painful sores.

Frostbite occurs most commonly on ears, paws and tails. The affected skin will initially turn pale or blue-tinged as blood flow to the area is restricted. Seek veterinary advice and treatment as soon as possible. Gradually warming the area will help to stop further damage – this can be done either by wrapping the area with a warm towel or submerging in tepid (but NOT hot) water. It’s important not to heat too quickly or to rub the area as this will cause further tissue damage. The skin is likely to become red and swollen as it warms up, so your pet may need some pain relief. In some extreme cases, surgical removal of the damaged tissue could be required.

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In praise of older dogs

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n the UK, tens of thousands of older dogs are abandoned or given up to a shelter every year. Sometimes an older dog is not the first choice for an adopter, but taking on a senior pooch gives a second chance to a deserving and loving pet and can be immensely gratifying. Lisa Guiney, Mayhew’s Dog Adoption Officer, tells us all about the benefits of rehoming a more mature four-legged friend.

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Many people automatically think of getting a puppy or young dog when it comes to adopting. Of course, puppies are visually very appealing, but puppies also need a lot of patience, time and energy to help them become sociable and well-behaved family pets. Not only can older dogs (generally considered to be those aged seven and above) be just as cute and lovable as puppies, they also often have wonderful qualities that puppies take years to grow into.

The majority of older dogs at Mayhew are handed to us because of a bereavement or lifestyle change such as a relationship breakdown, a house move or a new baby in the family. They are often ready (and very eager!) to slot straight into life in their new home. A few arrive as abandonment cases and sometimes have experienced a bad start

in life, which could be from mistreatment or due to inappropriate care and training.

However, this doesn’t mean that they won’t become a loving and much-loved companion; just that they may need a little extra time and patience to adjust to new circumstances.

You also shouldn’t discount a dog who is approaching senior age out of fear their time with you could be fleeting: even an eight-year-old dog likely has many more good years left and will need a committed owner. Although you may still face challenges when settling in your older dog, you will have chosen an animal with a fully-formed personality, which helps ensure you’re a perfect match! Importantly, rehoming an older dog is also a great way to take a stand against the pet overpopulation crisis.

The benefits of adopting an older dog

Adult dogs can make wonderful companions. They tend to be calmer and more relaxed than younger pups, often with better-established routines and personalities. They will generally be less demanding – although still a full-time commitment! – and should have burned through all that excess puppy energy, making them ready to settle down.

In most cases, adult dogs will be fully house-trained and understand basic commands. Although some level of retraining may be necessary as they adjust to their new surroundings, the initial hard groundwork has usually already been done.

Where some training is needed, it’s usually only a single training issue that requires addressing and should be easy to deal with, compared with a puppy where you have to start from scratch.

As a result, adult dogs won’t make the kinds of demands on your time

and attention that puppies and young dogs do. They will also let you get a good night’s sleep, because they are accustomed to human schedules and won’t need night-time feeding or comforting.

What you see is what you get! Puppies can grow up to be quite different from how they seemed at first. Older dogs have grown into their shape and have already formed a fantastic personality, allowing you to see exactly the type of responsibility you will be taking on.

How to find your perfect match

Be open and honest when describing your lifestyle and living arrangements.

A dog that enjoys a lot of exercise or attention will be unhappy if your lifestyle can’t accommodate their needs.

It may take time for an adult to settle in and adapt to your way of life (and vice versa!), so it’s important to choose a dog whose personality and needs match yours.

Beautiful Bella Boo finds her forever family

Sweet and sensitive Bella Boo, an eight-year-old Shar Pei, arrived at Mayhew earlier this year and was in our care for 121 days, living with one of our foster carers before being adopted in October. Her new owner Andrew tells us, “Bella Boo is the perfect dog for us – she’s funny, loyal and loves her walks.

We wanted to offer an older dog a forever home because we know that they appreciate routine, are calmer and, in Bella’s case, have excellent manners! She’s made our home all the happier with her wonderful, affectionate presence.

All credit to her amazing foster parents who encouraged Bella to be the dog she’d always wanted to be.”

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Meeting Mayhew’s Dr Mo, an animal welfare pioneer

r Abdul-Jalil Mohammadzai DVM, affectionately known as Dr Mo, is the Country Director for Mayhew Afghanistan. He has been instrumental in improving animal welfare and raising veterinary standards in Kabul, negotiating with the authorities to stop the culling of free-roaming dogs and developing a mass canine rabies vaccination programme and a humane dog management programme in the city.

We caught up with Dr Mo to hear first-hand how Mayhew Afghanistan is faring during this exceptional year. We also found out more about his passion for animal welfare and his groundbreaking achievements in Kabul.

How did your interest in animal welfare develop?

I’d always wanted to work with animals, but when I qualified as a vet I didn’t know that would eventually lead to me working for a charity. I trained as a vet at Kabul University, but I then left for Britain in 1997, where I started volunteering (and then working) at Mayhew.

Previously most of my experience was with livestock, but my time at Mayhew in London changed my focus to animal welfare. I was driven to want to help animals and bring positive changes in the lives of dogs and cats.

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How important is vet training to Mayhew Afghanistan’s work and vision?

Not many vets in Afghanistan are experienced in small animal care [the majority work with livestock], so training is a crucial part of our work there. Our vet staff learn the latest surgical techniques and protocols, such as anaesthesia protocols and kennels protocols, so that they have the skills and knowledge to carry out the rabies vaccination and Trap, Neuter, Return (TNR) programmes to a high standard, while also ensuring the welfare and wellbeing of the thousands of animals we treat.

What part does education play in improving people’s understanding of, and compassion for, animals?

Education has a key role in our programme: people need to understand our enemy is the rabies virus and not the dogs. We have a community engagement officer who works with the local people,

international

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I managed to convince the authorities to stop their dog culling programme in Kabul city and with this agreement in place we’ve been able to save thousands of these beautiful animals.

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Dr Mo, Mayhew Afghanistan Country Director

community leaders and schools. Our education programme began in April 2019 and since then we have organised 33 educational workshops and have met with over 3,800 students and 170 teachers.

In our education sessions we give information about topics such as the rabies virus, dog bite prevention, how to behave around street dogs and staying safe around aggressive dogs. The session material is adapted according to the age and level of the students.

Winters are notoriously harsh in Kabul – what is the impact of the freezing and bitter conditions on the teams on the ground and on the animals you are trying to help?

Kabul has some of the worst winters possible and they last for three months. There are heavy snowfalls and temperatures frequently fall to between -4 and -6°C. Our vaccination and TNR teams find it difficult to work, not only because of heavy rain or deep snow, but because it is hard to locate dogs as they are often hidden, sheltering from the cold.

In the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Centre we have 40 indoor kennels, and in winter we can close the doors and put a heater on to keep the dogs warm. Although this means our vaccination and TNR programmes can

continue, we do have to reduce the number of surgeries as we cannot use the outdoor kennels during the colder months. If there are funds available this winter, we would like to put rubber mats in our kennels to help the dogs stay warm and be more comfortable. This period of harsh weather is a challenging time for our staff and dogs, but we adapt as we can!

Your team has done an amazing job reaching significant milestones despite restrictions imposed by Covid-19. How are things currently in Kabul?

When there was lockdown in Kabul from the end of March to June we had special dispensation to continue our work as it was deemed a public health matter. According to the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), Covid-19 cases are increasing [November 2020], but we are not currently restricted in carrying out our programmes – we are a registered charity in Afghanistan and are following the MoPH guidelines.

Unfortunately, no one knows what to expect and what the impact of Covid-19 will be on our lives or the programmes in the future.

What do you think is needed next to protect animals in Afghanistan?

I am hoping that one day our programme can be expanded from Kabul city to other provinces in Afghanistan so we can then

stop the government’s culling programme across the whole country.

What has been your proudest achievement to date?

Signing the agreement with Kabul Municipality in 2017 to stop the inhumane culling of dogs in the city. The municipality was poisoning dogs with strychnine and had killed over 100,000 dogs in a five-year period. I managed to convince the authorities to stop their dog culling programme in Kabul city and with this agreement in place we’ve been able to save thousands of these beautiful animals.

What are the hardest things about splitting your time between the UK and Afghanistan?

I spend several months of the year in Afghanistan overseeing our projects and by far the hardest thing is to be away from my wife and children in London. However, I know that our work there is of vital importance and saving human and animal lives.

A leader in his field

Dr Mo has spoken at conferences worldwide and has received several awards in recognition of his innovative work and dedication to animal welfare.

2017 – Petplan and ADCH Animal Charity Awards: Special Recognition Award

2018 – The Mirror’s Animal Hero Awards: Special Recognition Award

2019 – The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons 2019 Honours list: RCVS International Award (recognising individuals who work within or outside of the UK to raise veterinary standards and improve animal welfare abroad) 2019 – MSD Animal Health World Rabies Day Awards: Individual Category (recognising community rabies champions from across the world)

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Mayhew International updates

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ur teams in Afghanistan and Georgia have overcome multiple challenges this year as the spread of the coronavirus pandemic impacted their work in various ways. They have done a fantastic job, with some standout achievements, and continue to work tirelessly to help animals in need and improve animal welfare.

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Exciting news from Mayhew Afghanistan!

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In mid-October 2020, our team in Afghanistan reached a significant milestone: 10,000 freeroaming dogs neutered in capital city Kabul.

We had hoped to reach this target within the first year after opening our Animal Birth Control (ABC) Centre in July 2019, but this was delayed by the knock-on effect of coronavirus lockdown restrictions in the city. We are so proud of our teams on the ground who have worked incredibly hard to catch up, and very grateful to our supporters, Dogs Trust Worldwide and The Brigitte Bardot Foundation for helping make such achievements possible.

A second chance for Roki

Kabul street pup Roki was scooped up by a concerned local when she saw some children dragging him along the street. She took him to our ABC Centre to be checked over by our vets, who were initially unsure whether he would make it as he was so tiny. Mogadas, one of the drivers for our Trap, Vaccinate, Neuter, Return (TVNR) programme, offered to foster Roki, giving him a place to recover and grow stronger. We’re delighted to report that he is now doing well. He has had his full set of vaccinations at our clinic and – exciting news – Mogadas and his family are planning to adopt him!

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A major funding boost to our work in Kabul

Thank you to the Edgard & Cooper Foundation (edgardcooperfoundation.org) for donating a fantastic USD $75,000 towards our work in Afghanistan. The funds will support our rabies programme, covering essential supplies such as vaccines and dog-catching equipment, the rental of vehicles used for the programme and the provision of materials to help us run rabies awareness and education projects. The foundation was established by the founders of pet food company Edgard & Cooper, and we are extremely grateful that they have chosen to donate to Mayhew Afghanistan.

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We are very excited about the support and funding from the Edgard & Cooper Foundation for our work in Kabul which so resonated with them.

Working together we will be making Kabul a safer and healthier place for dogs and the local people.

Caroline Yates, Mayhew CEO

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THE MAYHEW AFGHANISTAN TEAM VACCINATED OVER

9,000 FREE-ROAMING DOGS BETWEEN JANUARY AND THE END OF OCTOBER 2020

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BY THE END OF OCTOBER, THE MOBILE VETERINARY CLINIC HAD MADE FIVE TRIPS INTO THE REGIONS OUTSIDE TBILISI, NEUTERING AND VACCINATING

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Mayhew Georgia: reaching more dogs in Tbilisi and beyond!

s of the end of October, our team in Georgia had neutered and vaccinated 922 free-roaming and community dogs in 2020. By working with our partner vets in the capital and collaborating with mobile vet clinic Doggie Doc to expand our programme out into the regions, we’re continuing to make good progress.

The importance of our work in the regions outside Tbilisi cannot be understated. As Mayhew Georgia’s Veterinary Surgeon Dr Ana explains: “In the towns and villages outside the capital there is little veterinary provision and our work there is vital – mainly to keep dogs safe and disease-free, but also to help the local community to have a greater understanding of the needs and wellbeing of our canine companions.”

With the onset of winter, working in these areas can be extremely tough. Heavy snowfall can mean the mountain roads are difficult to access and the freezing temperatures affects the team on the ground, as well as the animals we are helping. Our vets need to wrap up in protective clothing and ensure that extra precautions are put in place for animals in the mobile clinic’s care: they are currently planning on setting up a post-operative tent to keep dogs warm overnight under the watchful eye of a vet before they are rereleased the next day.

Passing on our veterinary expertise

Vet training is a vital part of our work in Georgia. In recent months, we have been helping to train Dr Nugzari, a student vet and Mayhew volunteer from Kutaisi, Georgia, who is keen to expand his knowledge. Dr Nugazri had previously been travelling to Tbilisi to join Dr Ana for training once a week, but at the time of writing has had to pause his visits due to new restrictions around Covid-19. “We will renew [his visits] when we can,” says Dr Ana, “and hopefully Nugazri can start making changes in his own community in Kutaisi as soon as possible, as veterinary services there are extremely limited and animals are in need of our help. Just one vet can do so much to make a difference, but when you train others and pass on skills and then those vets then train others too, that really is something that can create long-term change.”

OUR WORK CONTINUES OVERSEAS THIS WINTER Winters in Kabul can be exceptionally harsh, with biting cold and significant snowfall. However, Mayhew Afghanistan’s dedicated team of dogcatchers, vet vaccinators and clinic staff will carry on working to deliver both the rabies vaccination and TVNR programmes for Kabul’s free-roaming dog population to keep the dogs and local population safe from rabies. And while the dogs are in our pre - and post-operative block, the team will ensure they are kept warm and fed well.

In Tbilisi too, our neutering and vaccination programme will continue throughout the winter, making sure our team is only a phone call away from concerned residents. The team will also be on hand to help local dog guardians – many of whom are vulnerable themselves and can become isolated during the holidays – as they keep an eye on the community dogs in their neighbourhoods.

You can find details of how to contribute to the work our teams do overseas in the cover letter of this magazine. Thank you for your ongoing support.

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WINTER 2020

Famous faces and their feline friends (a sequel)

F

FREDDIE MERCURY

reddie Mercury, lead singer of the band Queen, adored cats.

In the 1970s, his girlfriend Mary Austin bought them a pair of cats called Tom and Jerry, and while he was on tour he would make long-distance phone calls to check up on them, with Mary holding the cats up to the receiver so they could hear his voice!

Mercury eventually had 10 cats, mostly adopted from rescue centres, and he lavished them with affection, giving them their own bedrooms in his London mansion. They even inspired his music: in 1985 he dedicated a solo album, Mr Bad Guy, to his cats “and all the cat lovers across the universe.”

He shared a special bond with his favourite cat, Delilah, and wrote a song especially for her, with guitar harmonies that sound like meows.

Rolling Stone magazine reported that “Mercury spent hours with watercolours trying to paint a portrait of the tortoiseshell – and when he was dying in 1991, one of his final actions was stroking her fur.”

In his will, he left most of his fortune to Mary Austin and his feline companions, whom he considered to be his greatest loves.

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W

SIR ANTHONY HOPKINS

hen the award-winning Welsh actor Sir Anthony Hopkins was filming in Budapest, Hungary, a stray tabby cat was brought to the hotel where he was staying in the hope of finding the puss a new owner.

Hopkins and his wife Stella were so taken with the cat that they had soon ordered him a load of cat toys and decided to take him back to their home in California. They named him Niblo (an affectionate term for a little boy in Welsh).

Hopkins continues to enjoy a close relationship with his furry pal. One of his passions is painting and Niblo features in several of his pictures.

His artwork often explores dreams and the unconscious mind, and he has produced a vivid printed design called Dream Cat. During the coronavirus lockdown this year, Hopkins (now 82) shared an adorable video on social media of him playing a pleasant tune on the piano to Niblo, who sits on his lap and purrs with contentment.

The video is captioned, “Niblo is making sure I stay healthy and demands I entertain him in exchange.”

Niblo clearly brings Hopkins great joy and has helped him to cope with the lockdown. Hopkins has described the pleasures of his life as “a cat, a piano, a book, and a cup of tea.”

M

any celebrated people from the worlds of music, dance and television are known for their love of cats, including several celebrities who have adopted from Mayhew.

In our autumn 2020 issue, we featured historical figures who adored their feline friends. Volunteer contributor Azmina Gulamhusein follows up with a look at some famous cat lovers of more recent times.

C

ARLENE PHILLIPS

horeographer and former Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene Phillips has spoken movingly of the solace that cats can bring during times of stress or sadness: “I think people have this idea that cats aren’t emotive, but in my experience, they are. They can sense your mood and they’re there for you. There’s nothing more comforting.”

In 2014, Phillips’ youngest daughter, Abi, adopted a ginger kitten called Romeo from Mayhew. A member of the public handed in Romeo and his baby sister after finding them abandoned in a bin bag.

Phillips instantly fell in love with the tiny ball of ginger fluff, and Romeo apparently loves giving Phillips soothing cuddles and chasing anything that moves. With her expert dance eye, Phillips is even convinced that Romeo can keep time to music and has excellent rhythm!

As well as giving Romeo a lovely home, Phillips has become a great supporter of our work, for which we are very grateful, and we are excited that she will be hosting our star-studded carols event this December.

A

JOANNA LUMLEY

ctress Joanna Lumley developed a deep affection for cats during her childhood in Malaya (now Malaysia). One day, Lumley was walking with her mother and their dog when suddenly they heard a mewing sound coming from a well and found a helpless kitten struggling in the water. Lumley and her mother managed to pull the drowning kitten out and decided to keep him.

Later in life, when Lumley was living in Kent, her teenage son brought home another tiny kitten, who the family named The Bee. He eventually grew into a handsome tabby and proved to be a real comfort to Lumley: “He’d sit like a sphinx on my chest, right over my heart, gazing into my eyes. His purring would make me feel so much more tranquil.” When The Bee died in 2004, Lumley had a small gravestone put in her garden inscribed with the words “best cat.”

In 2009, she made a two-part ITV documentary called Joanna Lumley: Catwoman for which she travelled the world to explore our unique relationship with domestic and wild cats. Highlights include her visits to a Belgian cat festival and an ancient Egyptian tomb with cat drawings on the walls.

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It’s QUIZ time!

Are you a whizz at remembering obscure details about dogs? Or perhaps you’re a feline fact aficionado? Let’s test those skills and have some festive fun with our Christmas quiz – it just might be the perfect treat for a family Zoom call! Thanks to Mayhew supporter and quizmaster Simon London (@SeventhHeavenKR on Twitter) for sharing his pawsome knowledge.

If you’re hungry for more brain-teasers, why not try the Mayhew 2020 quiz on the page opposite. All answers are at the bottom of the page. Good luck!

4.

What is the collective noun for cats?

6.

Who “tawt he taw a puddy tat”?

5.

For dog experts 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

7.

8.

What is the name of The Grinch’s dog in the book How the Grinch Stole Christmas?

9.

Which fictional dog was the star of a TV series that originally started in 1954 and ran to 1973?

Which dog found the Jules Rimet trophy that was stolen ahead of the FIFA World Cup in 1966?

Which toy dog breed’s name is derived from the French for ‘curly lap dog’?

What was the name of the dog that travelled in Sputnik 2 in 1957 to become the first dog in space?

Who was Mickey Mouse’s loyal friend?

What was the name of the Darling family’s dog in Peter Pan?

10. Which famous yoga position is caninethemed?

11. What is the Guinness World Record for the number of balls held in a dog’s mouth?

Who played the title role in the 2004 movie Catwoman?

With which English county would you associate the cat created by Lewis Carroll?

From which part of their bodies do cats perspire?

10. What is most commonly the total number of claws found on a house cat?

Since 1991, the dog show Crufts has been held in which British city?

Who was the cartoonist who created Snoopy?

How much of its life will a cat spend grooming itself? A: less than a quarter; B: more than a third; C: more than half

12. Which famous US pop group is named after the dog in The Wizard of Oz?

13. Likely first bred in Germany as a water dog, which canine breed is the national dog of France?

14. What is the name of the dog who won Britain’s Got Talent?

For cat connoisseurs 1.

2.

3.

What was the name of President Clinton’s cat, who received more fan mail than him?

When was the first known cat video recorded – 1894 or 1994?

Name two Christmas pantomimes that feature famous cats?

11. Who composed the music for the Pink Panther films?

12. In the nursery rhyme ‘The Cat and the Fiddle’, what acrobatic feat did the cow achieve?

13. What kind of person might own a cat called Pyewacket?

14. What is the largest type of cat?

How did you do?

If you’ve tried your hand at both sets of questions, double the numbers below to find your score.

1–4: Into the doghouse with you!

5–8: You’re barking up the right tree.

9–12: You’re almost the cat’s whiskers.

13+: Purrfect!

Dogs: 1. Max; 2. Lassie; 3. Birmingham; 4. Charles M. Schulz; 5. Pickles; 6. Bichon Frise; 7. Laika; 8. Pluto; 9. Nana; 10. Downward dog; 11. Six; 12. Toto; 13. Poodle (derived from the German word for ‘puddle’!); 14. Pudsey.

Cats: 1. Socks; 2. 1894 (it was recorded by Thomas Edison!); 3. Dick Whittington and Puss in Boots; 4. A ‘clutter’ or ‘clowder’; 5. Over a third; 6. Sylvester; 7. Halle Berry; 8. Cheshire (from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland); 9. Their paws; 10. Eighteen; 11. Henry Mancini; 12. It jumped over the moon; 13. A witch; 14. A tiger.

Dog and cat quiz

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?

?

Mayhew 2020 quiz

Test your Mayhew knowledge (clue: the answers have all appeared in issues of Tails in 2020)!

1. Which celebrity guest hosted our Hounds in your Home virtual dog show earlier this year?

3. What was the name of the beautiful husky who was in our care for many months but found his forever home this year?

A: Dan B: Charles C: Trevor

A: Sue Perkins B: Chrissy Hynde C: Lesley Nicol

?

6. What is the hardest cat to rehome?

A: Tabby B: Black C: Bengal

7. Mayhew is a registered NGO in which two overseas countries?

8. A recent study by Mayhew found that what percentage of Londoners truly understand what is meant by the term ‘feral cat’?

A: 51% B: 58% C: 65%

4. What is the name our CEO’s rescue dog?

A: Brian B: Sophie C: Rosie

2. Stray cat and kittens Elsa, Anna, Kristoff and Olaf were named after characters in which Disney film?

?

5. How many cats and kittens were adopted from March to October 2020?

A: 70+ B: 90+ C: 110+

9. We have a special garden that is filled with enriching items for our dogs – what is it called?

10. What is the name of Mayhew’s animal-assisted therapy programme?

How did you do?

1–3: Time to brush up on some furry facts.

4–6: Plenty to be pawsitive about.

7–10: Top dog!

Mayhew 2020 quiz 1. A: Sue Perkins; 2. Frozen; 3. C: Trevor; 4. B: Sophie; 5. C: 110+; 6. B: Black; 7. Afghanistan and Georgia; 8. A: 51%; 9. Sensory garden; 10. TheraPaws®.

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WINTER 2020

Your letters

Cleo (was Stella) Hi Matt,

Cleo was very shy the first few days after coming home – we could just about tempt her out for a treat, but other than that she stayed firmly under the bed. A month on, she has well and truly come out of her shell. She is cuddly, playful and a little bit crazy, and we love her.

Thank you, Mayhew, for helping us find each other!

Louise and Toby

Kian

Hi Lisa,

Since joining the family, Kian’s character has gradually come out, which has been great to see. He absolutely loves playing ball (or football!) in the park – almost as much as he likes having a cuddle on the couch or sneaking into the bedroom and burying himself under the duvet. He is also performing his ‘big brother’ duties very well, keeping a watchful eye over our new baby.

Graeme

Rosie Jerry and George (were Len and Kurtan) Hi Matt,

Just to say the boys are doing really well. They’re full of energy and great friends. They love chasing each other round the house and play-fighting, but will also groom each other and cuddle up together. They are not at all shy and love people and playing games.

Thanks again for finding them for us.

Rose and Edward

26 I

Hello Lisa,

Just to let you know that Rosie and my dad John are a match made in heaven!

Rosie slept through the night from the beginning, and when dad comes down in the morning she wags her tail and rolls over for her tummy to be tickled. She loves exploring the garden and comes running when he calls. They are also enjoying their walks together.

Thank you for all your hard work making the adoption happen. You have transformed dad’s life!

Margaret

Mill Lane Veterinary Surgery Advanced medical care for your pets Proud to support Mayhew Joshua Rusnak BVSc CertSAS MRCVS 68-70 Mill Lane London NW6 1NJ www.mill-lane-vet.com 020 7794 1777

New clinic now open: Alymer Parade Vet 17 Aylmer Parade London N2 0PH

TOP SCORE (92%) in a Which? consumer poll of 24 popular brands

For expert advice, call our nutrition team on freephone: 0800 083 6696 (UK) • 1800 836 696 (RoI) • burnspet.co.uk

Feeding happy, healthy pets since 1993

Mayhew Animal Rescue - Burns Half Page.indd 1

11/11/2020 09:49:23

To our supporters and volunteers,

Wishing you a merry Christmas and our best wishes for the new year from all at Mayhew!

20/10/2020 13:04

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We provide High Quality, well priced food supplies for RAW and BARF diet

Support and Help in changing animals over to a Natural Raw Diet l Raw Meats/Fish/ Bones/Offal/Whole Prey

Suitable for Cats, Dogs, Ferrets, Reptiles and Raptors

A High Quality Range of Natural Supplements, Health Aids, Remedies and Natural Healthy Treats which Enhance Your Pets’ Diet.

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Natural Treats Natural Healthcare Products

SHOP ONLINE DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR SOME OF OUR PRODUCTS

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Tel: 07590 621636/01763 243533 RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE 29 NOVEMBER 2020 – 29 JANUARY 2021

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CHRISTMAS FLEA, OH CHRISTMAS FLEA! WHY YOU NEED TO SPRITZ YOUR SPRUCE...

Thousands of bugs could be hitching festive rides into our homes via real Christmas trees this year

W

ith Christmas trees popping up in living rooms and lights being switched on already, it’s clear that the nation is longing for that Christmassy feeling to start as soon as possible this year, no doubt hoping it will help put an end to a dreadful 2020.

According to research by leading petcare brand Bob Martin, online search trends for Christmas trees are up by a third this week, compared to the same period last year.

And although cosying up our homes early over lockdown in eager anticipation of Santa’s visit is something we can all look forward to, a more sinister Christmas guest could be paying a visit over the festive season.

This might conjure up a mental image of the Grinch, however research suggests buying a real tree could in fact see us welcome up to 25,000 bugs into our homes.

Although the vast majority of creepy crawlies found in the branches are

completely harmless to humans, such as aphids, spiders and moths, Bob Martin is advising everyone with a real tree to check it twice, because blood-sucking ticks could be lurking in the branches, potentially proving dangerous for us and our pets.

BOB MARTIN’S TOP TIPS ON AVOIDING FLEA INFESTATIONS • Give instant relief with Bob Martin Clear Flea tablets (available for dogs and cats) that starts killing fleas within 15 minutes and kills 100% fleas within 24-hours • Follow up with Bob Martin Clear Home Spray Plus: kills fleas and their eggs in the home and prevents re-infestation for up to 12 months • In the meantime, wash your pets’ bedding over 40°c, vacuum wherever you can (as well as your car), paying attention to warm, dark, protected areas - a flea's idea of a perfect home!

• Use Bob Martin Clear Plus Spot On: kills fleas and their eggs on the pet and in the immediate surroundings and prevents re-infestation • Guard against flea-borne worm infestation with Bob Martin Clear wormers for dogs and cats, as fleas are the main transmitters of worms • Re-spray the home, if you wish, after a few days, try steaming hard floors and tiles, and don’t forget to move and clean under your furniture • And if you’re ever worried about your pet’s health or welfare, ensure you take them to see a vet 28

29 NOVEMBER 2020 – 29 JANUARY 2021 RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE

Usually, ticks hibernate over winter, however our centrally heated homes have created a cosy Christmas haven for ticks to re-emerge from their dormant state and latch onto an unsuspecting cat or dog relaxing under the branches. The Norwegian Institute of Public Health suggests that they receive alerts every Christmas about ticks in trees, which can cause Lyme Disease if left untreated.

Fleas can be an even bigger problem for our homes over the festive period, with Bob Martin warning a series of mild winters in recent years has swelled the population, meaning infestations are increasingly common.

With one female flea able to lay up to 50 eggs a day, Bob Martin is highlighting homes most at risk are those with pets which haven’t been treated with flea and tick products. And with high rates of infestations in the run up to Christmas, the brand is warning pet-owners to exercise both caution and action against the disease carrying critters.

Julie Butcher, Head of Marketing at Bob Martin, gives some top tips on how you can both avoid and remedy the problem to ensure your family has a comfortable Christmas.

Julie comments: “Although a lovely Norwegian spruce tree is the epitome of www.rescueandanimalcare.com

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a traditional family Christmas, there’s every chance the tree could be harbouring ticks and other unwanted visitors over the festive period, which could come into contact with you and your pets.

“The optimal temperature for ticks and fleas is between 21°C and 29°C, which also happens to be the optimum temperature for our cosy homes, too - so it's important to make sure you’re treating your pet and your home over the winter months to avoid parasite infestations.

“One way you can solve the problem in the home is by spraying soft furnishings with a home Flea Spray. If you’ve bought a real tree, you can even spritz your spruce before bringing it into your home with a pesticide free spray, which will control fleas and ticks for up to a month!” n For more information on Bob Martin as well as tips and advice on managing fleas, ticks and worms, please visit www.bobmartin.co.uk

NEW PUPPIES FACE CONTINUED LOCKDOWN WHEN OWNERS GO BACK TO WORK WARNS PET SERVICE SPECIALIST The demand for new puppies, and animals in general, has gone through the roof during in 2020, with the Kennel club reporting around an 180% rise in people enquiring about new dogs compared to last year.

H

owever, as the UK gradually prepares to get back to normal with the first round of vaccines taking place this week, there is a huge worry that these new members of the family, who have entertained the kids and dragged owners out for much needed walks during the pandemic, will now be left behind in constant lockdown.

Amy Wilson, owner of the Hopes Happy Hounds franchise, a pet service specialist, is warning that the welfare of these new puppies, and all new pets, is a real concern if they are going to be locked-up all day when their new owners go back to work.

She explains: "I know we all have enough stress in our lives just now, but every pet owner has a duty of care to ensure the welfare of their animals is looked after when we all start going back to work. The UK has gone animal mad recently due to the fact most of us have been stuck at home. This is great as animals are proven to be terrific company and fantastic for people's mental health, but the problem is that lockdown is not going to last forever. So there are huge questions to be answered here; will these animals simply be left alone day-in-day-out with no exercise or company? Will they still be wanted?

Hopes Happy Hounds was started by owner Amy Wilson in 2010 having www.rescueandanimalcare.com

successfully run her pet services business for over ten years. Services offered include dog walking, dog and pet sitting plus cat and small animal care. At present the company has 14 franchisees throughout the UK but has ambitious growth plans with territories available throughout England and Scotland.

Turning a love for animals into a thriving business Abi Neave turned her love for animals into a thriving business when she launched her Hopes Happy Hounds franchise in Huntingdon, St Ives and St Neots in Match 2019.

Previously Abi worked at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home for 4 years, she explains: "I have always loved animals and working at Battersea was great. I worked in the kennels assessing dogs temperaments to determine the type of home they're looking for, and also helped in the re-homing department, assessing potential adopters homes and matching dogs with potential owners.

“However, when I read an advert for a Hopes Happy Hounds franchise online, I was instantly interested. It was an opportunity to launch my own proven business, with a great support network behind me, and most importantly it allowed me to continue working with animals. The fact it was a franchise re-

ally helped me, as all the policies and procedures were already in place and I also go help with the likes of marketing & social media on starting up.

“So far it has gone really well, there is a real demand for help with pets from owners who are not at home all day. I look after dogs, cats, small animals, reptiles and everything in between! On an average day I can have up to 15 clients a day, I offer group dog walks, solo dog walks and pet pop in visits. I also offer pet sitting and puppy and kitten visits too! I usually begin the day with cats and small animal visits, I then go on to walk 1 or 2 social group of dogs. After this, I walk dogs who prefer a 1-2-1 walk and finish off the day with more cat visits. I also arrange meet and greets with new potential customers during the days when I have spare time.

Abi adds: "I'd like to eventually expand the franchise maybe employing others to assist in the dog walking side of the business as this is the most popular service we offer."

To invest in a HHH franchise costs £10,999 for the one-off franchise fee and there is a ongoing royalty of 10% of monthly sales.

For further information please visit https://www.hopeshappyhounds.co.uk/

RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE 29 NOVEMBER 2020 – 29 JANUARY 2021

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STEPHEN FRY LENDS VOICE TO MOVING STORY OF RESCUED HORSE BOO Actor and writer Stephen Fry has lent his voice to a new animation promoting the work of Redwings Horse Sanctuary this Christmas.

T

he former Norfolk native has kindly voiced the charity’s radio promotions for many years, but this festive period he has supported a new animation which tells the sad but inspirational story of Clydesdale horse Boo. Boo is one of more than 1,500 rescued horses, ponies, donkeys and mules living at Redwings’ sanctuary sites across the UK, whose headquarters - including its horse hospital are located south of Norwich.

This stunning gentle giant was callously shot by intruders at point blank range in the eye with an air rifle in early 2009.

This horrific attack was doubly distressing for Boo as he had already lost one eye to cancer, which meant he was left completely blind.

Having been offered a new home at the Sanctuary, Boo – now 23 years old – continues to live happily at Redwings’ headquarters with his field companion and ‘seeing eye’ horse Flynn.

His moving story is now the subject of a beautiful animation released as part of Redwings’ latest festive fundraising campaign.

Redwings is 100% funded by donations from the public and Boo’s dedicated care, and that received by his fellow rescued Boo at Redwings' headquarters

friends at the Sanctuary, is all thanks to the kindness of the charity’s supporters.

Commenting on his involvement in Redwings’ animation, Stephen Fry said: “I was touched and delighted to be given the opportunity to tell Boo’s story and be part of Redwings’ continued hard work and care for distressed horses.”

Lynn Cutress, Redwings’ Chief Executive, said: “We love to share stories of our most recent rescues and their recoveries, but Boo is a shining symbol of the specialist care and love our teams give to our long-term residents every day something they worked incredibly hard to continue throughout the coronavirus lockdowns this year.

“Having survived such an appalling act of cruelty, we never fail to be amazed and moved by the trust Boo places in us every day and we couldn’t think of a better resident to pay tribute to in our new animation. It’s been made even more special by the wonderful Stephen Fry agreeing to voice Boo’s story, for which we’re very thankful.

“With lockdowns restricting access to our visitor centres and leading to the cancellation of fundraising activities this year, we wanted to devise a creative way to raise awareness of our work while people stayed at home and we hope our animation will inspire as many as possible to help us help more brave horses in need, like Boo, this Christmas and into the future.” n You can watch Boo’s animation here – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffKCa1_54Sg To find out more about Redwings and to donate this Christmas, please visit www.redwings.org.uk/boo 30

29 NOVEMBER 2020 – 29 JANUARY 2021 RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE

www.rescueandanimalcare.com

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Emaciated horse Sydney loses his fight to survive Syd at the rescue site. Full body, left side

Syd on arrival at HorseWorld

At the beginning of June, horse rescue charity, HorseWorld rescued a thoroughbred type horse who had been discovered with horrific wounds over his withers. He was wearing a rug which had clearly not been removed or checked for many months and it had worn deep into his skin causing huge, infected sores and immense pain.

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he sweet-natured gelding was estimated to be in his twenties.

He was extremely emaciated and weak. He had clearly been badly neglected for quite some time. Two other horses were also rescued from the same location but their condition was not as bad.

On arrival at HorseWorld, the Vet put the gelding named Sydney onto a program of intensive care. For weeks, Sydney’s wounds were flushed twice a day by the Grooms. He also had various creams prescribed to try and aid the healing process and numerous courses of antibiotics to try and fight the chronic infection that had taken hold. Sydney remained a calm, kind Gentleman allowing the HorseWorld

www.rescueandanimalcare.com

team to help him despite everything he had been through.

Despite the best efforts of the Vet and HorseWorld, it soon became apparent that the infection had spread into Sydney’s bones.

Even with the intensive care and high levels of pain relief medication he was receiving, Syd was showing the team that he was in more and more discomfort. Whilst he still had the occasional good day where he would happily graze and roll in the field, his bad days were getting worse and more frequent. All viable options had been tried and it was clear that the only option left to prevent any further suffering was to put him to sleep.

“Syd was such a special horse. You could tell from his character that at one time in his life he had been well cared for by someone,” said Welfare Manager Sarah Hollister. “We always pour our hearts and souls into our horses, but Syd is one that we’ll never forget. It’s not the ending to Syd’s story that we desperately wanted but we can take comfort in knowing that at least for the last few months of his life he could remember how it felt to be loved.”

Rescued horses like Sydney need very special care and facilities to give them the best possible chance for a brighter future. He is one of many that

Syd looking handsome in the field during his rehabilitation at HorseWorld HorseWorld rescue every year. If you’d like to donate and be a part of the rehabilitation of recued horses, please visit www.horseworld.org.uk/safe to find out how.

RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE 29 NOVEMBER 2020 – 29 JANUARY 2021

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Could your four-legged best friend be our pet of the month in 2021?

We are on the hunt for 12 fabulous doggies to join us on our journey in 2021.

Right now, until December 20th, we would love for you to send us pictures of your dog(s) representing a month of the year for 2021. A winner for each month will then become our pet of the month for their chosen month; they will feature on our adverts, social media posts and will receive a generous Vitalin goody bag, bespoke to their breed and age.

Sounds good? Then it’s time to get entering.

To enter, please take a picture of your dog(s) representing a month of the year for 2021 and post it to us on either our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/vitalinpetfood or our Instagram page https://www.instagram.com/vitalinpet-

food using the hashtag #Vitalincalendar21, also mention the month you are entering for and the name of your dog(s).

The more obvious the month you are representing is, the more likely you are to win – think a bed of roses for February or an Easter bonnet for April (yep, we just checked, it falls on April 4th).

We will shortlist 4 potential winners for each month and leave the ultimate decision up to our social media followers.

We can’t wait to see what you come up with – you guys always send in such great pictures anyway that we know you’re not going to disappoint.

Good luck!

Join The Golden Paste Company’s Winter Wellness Challenge The Golden Paste Company has launched a 14 Day Winter Wellness Challenge to encourage people to look after their physical and mental health this winter.

To take part, simply download the challenge activity poster for inspiration and then once you have completed your 14 days submit your details online. You will then receive a FREE sachet of Turmeric Golden Paste for People.

Throughout the challenge, which has activities that are suitable for everyone in every tier, people are encouraged to share their progress on social media using the hashtag #gpcochallenge.

It is hoped this challenge will encourage people to try a new activity, experiment in the kitchen and discover new local places outdoors. In a difficult year this is a positive challenge that anyone can take part in and then try the Turmeric Golden Paste supplement for free.

Turmeric Golden Paste for People supports the body’s natural anti-inflammatory mechanisms, optimises the integrity of the immune system and his anti-oxidant properties. It is easy to use, simply add to food/drink or take straight from a tea spoon. Suitable for

vegetarians and vegans, the paste is bioavailable and contains 5.1% curcumin.

Specialising in turmeric supplements for humans, horses and pets, The Golden Paste Company products for dogs include TurmerEase supplement slices, Turmeric Capsules and Golden Paste for Pets.

To take part in the 14 Day Winter Wellness Challenge visit challenge.goldenpastecompany.com and make sure you are following @teamturmeric on Facebook and Instagram. The challenge is running until 31st January 2021.

We are delighted to support the Animal Charities featured in this Magazine Tel: 01952 245330 32

29 NOVEMBER 2020 – 29 JANUARY 2021 RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE

www.dogmatic.org.uk www.rescueandanimalcare.com

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www.rescueandanimalcare.com

RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE 29 NOVEMBER 2020 – 29 JANUARY 2021

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Meet Redwings’ new Chief Mouser We’d like to introduce you to one of Redwings’ newest residents, although he isn’t quite what you might expect to find settling into a new life at a horse sanctuary.

Meet Peter!

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E

arlier this year a skinny ginger cat started hanging around at the yard belonging to the neighbour of Redwings’ Chief Executive Lynn. He appeared to be a stray but after he was taken to the vet to be neutered it was discovered that he had a microchip which led to the discovery that he had run away from his owners as a kitten and was in fact seven years old!

Quite where he had been for the last six years remains a mystery and as his original family had since moved away, he had no home to return to.

Unfortunately, as he didn’t get on very well with the other cats on the yard, staying there wasn’t really going to be possible for him either... but the story doesn’t end there.

It had been a couple of years since Charlie, the cat who lived at Redwings’ headquarters in Norfolk, had sadly passed away so Lynn wondered if the Sanctuary could provide the perfect home for the newly named Peter!

Fast forward a few months and not only has Peter settled into life at the charity’s Horse Hospital extremely well, but it appears he has most of the vet team wrapped around his fluffy ginger paw!

Vet Rachael took care of him when he first

29 NOVEMBER 2020 – 29 JANUARY 2021 RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE

arrived and made sure he received a thorough check up, as well as worming and flea treatments. Luckily, he was as fit as a fiddle apart from being underweight due to his time on the streets, however as you can see now, with the help of his personal nurse Meg, he’s put on all the weight he needed.

Rachael reports that he is a firm favourite of the vet team and has been a big boost to morale during this very challenging year.

Senior Veterinary Surgeon Nicky added, “Peter is quite the diva and thinks he owns the vet unit!”

It’s safe to say that this adorable ginger chap has warmed the hearts of all who have met him so far at Redwings, and we’re sure reading his story and seeing how well he’s settled into life amongst humans, horses and donkeys after being homeless for so many years will warm yours too! n Redwings is a registered charity 100% funded by donations from the public. If you’d like to help its Horse Hospital help more rescued horses and the occasional cat, like Peter, please consider donating by visiting www.redwings.org.uk/donating

www.rescueandanimalcare.com

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The Official Treat of Dogs

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www.FinerByNature.co.uk

www.rescueandanimalcare.com

Tel: 01432 345388

RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE 29 NOVEMBER 2020 – 29 JANUARY 2021

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End of life, we know it will happen As much as we would prefer to ignore the trauma of an end-of-life situation, we know it will be something we will go through. I wouldn’t recommend that this becomes a regular subject of conversation but some thought and some planning is always a sensible and strangely comforting thing to do.

M

aybe you will discuss whether to let your pet die naturally at home or taking them to the vet’s clinic for a planned euthanasia?

The decisions you make will be personal and based on the health of your pet and their quality of life. My German Shepherd does not like visiting the vet, (luckily she has not had to do it often) but when she does, the anxiety is obvious and distressing, she looses hair becomes nervous and generally stressed. In an on-line survey arranged

by Cloud 9 Vets over 90% of respondents would prefer to organise a home euthanasia. This means avoiding potential pain and risk for clinic anxiety, in other words a peaceful, controlled and stressless passing in the safe environment of your own home.

Dos and don’ts When this discussion becomes unavoidable, do: • Talk to your vet practice in good time: there is no advantage pushing things to the last minute. Sadly we have too often seen a situation that the owner appears to be in control of, suddenly turn into a crises, when the situation controls you, it may turn into an emergency, when the peaceful and gentle goodbye becomes a rush to avoid pain and distress.

• Discuss pet euthanasia with family or friends: this is a major decision, get everyone on the same page before making that final decision.

• Run through a quality of life assessment, do it several times if necessary.

• Consider the environment, being at home will reduce stress.

However: • Don’t be scared of making that call or booking that appointment, when you are facing the inevitable it is comforting to talk to experienced, knowledgeable and compassionate people, who can help and support you.

• Don’t push things too far, in an end of life situation remember the sentiment 36

that “a week too early is so much better than a day too late”.

• Don’t blame yourself, considering euthanasia is something you do as an act of love for your pet, to save them from pain and distress.

• Don’t let other people make the decision for you, you know your pet best.

• Don’t forget about aftercare, do you want to bury at home? Or perhaps organise an individual cremation with the ashes returned in an urn?

Time is always a factor When it is time, you will likely know as an owner, after all you know your pet better than anyone else. They often send us subtle signals, maybe they are hiding away, maybe they just look at you in ”that” way, asking for some help if their quality of life is not what they or you would want it to be. Don’t feel guilty, those who contemplate putting their elderly or sick pet to sleep do it through love, nothing else. Make sure you say a proper goodbye before the vet’s appointment, there will also be time after you meet the vet, but you may want those few private moments, before the vet arrives.

A gentle-euthanasia needs time, do not be rushed, make sure you can go through the process carefully and calmly, without being hurried or too

29 NOVEMBER 2020 – 29 JANUARY 2021 RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE

focused on the clock. Be clear with the vet, how much, or little do you want to know about the process? Make sure you get the closeness and compassion you and your pet need. Even in times of Corona this should still be possible, ask before, because it is too late afterwards.

All of these decisions are personal.

Should I order an individual or communal cremation, a burial at home?

There is not a “right” decision, just a decision, that is right for you and your family.

We don’t talk about end-of-life do we?

Well we just did! And planning what to do, in good time, makes the process, gentle and dignified, making sure that you celebrate the wonderful life of your pet rather than just mourn their passing.

One of our vets, Charlotte recently said to me, “putting a pet to sleep is such an emotional and sad time but if you plan that process with respect and dignity, their passing can actually be something very special and very loving”. n Amber Synnott, Amber is co-founder, Director and Practice Manager at Cloud 9 Vets visit cloud9vets.co.uk

www.rescueandanimalcare.com

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Blue Cross Pet Bereavement Grieving for the loss of a pet, whether through death, parting or enforced separation, can be a sad and difficult experience.

When the love and friendship of a pet are gone, life may suddenly seem very empty. If you have lost, or are facing saying goodbye to, a much loved pet and need somebody to talk to, our Pet Bereavement Support Service is here for you every day from 8.30am – 8.30pm.

You can contact us in one of a number of ways: Please don't hesitate to call us on 0800 096 6606 if you'd like to talk. Please note that due to the nature of the helpline and to keep your call confidential, we are unable to call you and cannot see your phone number if you call us.

Email us at pbssmail@bluecross.org.uk. and we'll respond within 48 hours.

We’re here for you We know that the loss of a pet impacts everyone differently. Feelings of despair, loneliness and even depression can be overwhelming. There may also be a strong sense of guilt and self-doubt, particularly when a decision has been taken to euthanase or rehome a pet. These feelings are normal and a testimony to the special bond between people and their pets.

We often hear that friends, family members or

“You may even wish to call about a pet who has passed away many months or even years ago.”

www.rescueandanimalcare.com

colleagues don’t quite understand the upset that losing a pet can bring, and grieving for a pet can be a very lonely experience.

Sometimes it helps to share these feelings with someone who knows from personal experience how distressing pet loss can be, and who will listen with compassion and without judgement.

Maybe you can’t quite find the words to express how you feel, you feel floored by the absence of an animal you dedicated so much time to, or you have questions about whether or not to get another pet. You may feel you will burden friends or family with talk of grief, or you are anticipating the time you will have to say goodbye to a pet who is still living, or are heartbroken about a pet who is missing or stolen. You may even wish to call about a pet who has passed away many months or even years ago.

Our Pet Bereavement Support Service is able to help you through this traumatic time. You are very welcome to contact us just the once or multiple times if you wish. We encourage you to speak openly with our fully trained team; our service is confidential.

If you'd like to read a little more about our service before contacting us, our volunteer Tessa wrote about her own struggle with the loss of a pet. Just click here to read it. https://www.bluecross.org.uk/story/throughdarkness-my-story-grieving-pets

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Paying Tribute to our Lost Pets at Christmas At a time of joy, excitement and celebration no one expects to lose an integral part of their family. A member of the family who is always there, loves everyone unconditionally and makes a house a home. Our pets play a huge role in our lives, especially in the festive season and sometimes even small things like the Christmas tree staying intact, or not having to guard the turkey can inspire the most wonderful, funny and heartwarming memories.

F

inding ways to remember pets who have passed and commemorate their special dates can be an emotional, yet comforting, experience.

Lighting a candle with an engraving of your pet's name and paw print can become part of your family’s Christmas traditions. Our Eternity Candles are completely personalisable and come with a glass container to hold a small keepsake of ashes discreetly hidden inside below the candle holder.

Another tactile and personal keepsake, the Tribute Heart, with its soft and symbolic shape can hold a photo, a lock of fur and an ashes keepsake. It can also be engraved with messages, names, dates or even a paw

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print. This could be the perfect gift for someone special who is missing a much-loved pet, or even to yourself.

Holding this warm oak keepsake containing your precious pets ashes will be a great source or comfort.

We know how much you will treasure the memories of your pet after they are gone. For over 25 years Petributes has been helping families to find beautiful resting places for their beloved pets after they have passed away. Finding the right urn or keepsake for a dog, cat, horse or pony, rabbit, guinea pig or any other pet, can really help with the grieving process.

Our engraving service can help you create a unique and personal memorial,

29 NOVEMBER 2020 – 29 JANUARY 2021 RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE

keepsake, urn or casket that is as special and individual as your pet. A popular option that we offer to pet owners, is a personalised keepsake with an engraved image of their own pet’s paw print. Being able to touch your pet’s engraved paw print can be a wonderful way to remember them and bring them closer to you again. n If you would like more information or advice after losing your pet, or would simply like to find out more about our company or services, please visit our website: www.petributes.co.uk. You can find us on instagram, facebook and twitter @petributes. www.rescueandanimalcare.com

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How to help Animal Charities As a nation of animal-lovers it is surely the case we look after our own pets well, though there are unfortunately always many bad stories in the news about neglect of, or cruelty to animals.

By Juliet Abrahamson

H

owever much we love our pets, though, you can be sure that there will be many animals that don’t get this level of love and care, and the charities that get to rescue these animals really do deserve our support and attention. There are tons of organisations, local and national charities, manned by dedicated staff and volunteers, who often exist on a shoestring. And even the big charities are completely dependent upon our donations, year upon year.

So this article is about how we can donate, and show that we have a big heart, not only for our own lovely pets, but also donate through within the rules of our tiers for those in the charities that need us. First think of the animal that tugs at your heart-strings: is it a picture on your smart phone of emaciated dogs rescued by a wonderful dog home, or perhaps an endangered species, or abused donkeys, monkeys, or cats, or even battery hens that have been rehomed by a worthy organisation?

Or a local charity that really needs your help. If you are certain which charity deserves your money, do some research, and decide where you will focus your support.

I’ll talk about some of the ways you can fundraise, how you can simply donate, and how to go about leaving a legacy, and hopefully that will inspire you to do your bit!

But before you dive in with a cold water swim or shaving your head, do check with your chosen charity to see if they have their own fund-raising events that you can join in with. They may be having a sale on-line fund-raising to which you can add your items, perhaps good but unwanted pieces that are cluttering up your garage. Or, such as the Battersea Dogs and Cats home, have a fundraising pack to help you or to give you an official status.

Fundraising

Money does obviously make a difference, but there are loads of ingenious ways people have found to

make their money go further, or to donate their time in support of their favourite animal charity. Whether you are good at organizing, or would prefer to find someone to organize you, there should be something here that will appeal to you.

Keep SAFE and raise funds

Online Quiz for family and friends with entry fee and small prize l Secret Santa with a raffle and light to post items l Dog Trick competition. What fun to get them to do tricks with small entry fee and prize! l Pet Photo competition l Family singing challenge l Or if you want to get out in the fresh air: Running, jogging, hopping, walking, cycling. Or for the brave even a cold water swim! l Give up booze, smoking. There are endless ideas l Set up a JustGiving crowd-funding page to make your efforts go further.

It’s really easy to do this, but if you are not so handy with computers then get your children to help! l

Donating

Most charities will have members, and this is often a good way to support.

Your yearly sub. will go the organization, who will then keep you engaged and informed.

Charities often have special yearly appeals, and you can ask to be informed about these.

Donating on a whim is obviously helpful, whatever the amount, but regular amounts, perhaps on a monthly Direct Debit means that a charity can expect the amount for a year or five, which can help their accounts. A one-off gift can be given online, or with a card or cheque, or even over the phone.

Leaving a Legacy

How many of us keep putting making a will? It seems such hard thing to think about, really it’s worth getting to grips with and then

off a but for-

getting about it, which is what my husband and I did in our thirties.

(Though I shall now take my own advice as it needs updating!)

Legacy-giving is a fantastic way to support your chosen charity after you are not around to help it. You’ll have provided for your family or friends, and then saved a bit for the special part that animals have made to your life.

If you haven’t already got a will (which if you have, consider adding, or making a codicil to it to provide an amount for the charity) then there are simple Will-making services that some larger charities themselves now provide.

How it works is that a solicitor’s firm will donate their services to the charity. You can leave a specific sum of money, or you can leave some possessions, or you can leave a percentage of the net value of your estate.

If you are not ready to make a will, then you can instead leave a written pledge that you intend to leave money by filling in the Charity Choice form on their website. This gives the charity an indication that you intend to support.

And there are some tax benefits of leaving a legacy to charities.

You’ve given your time and support to your special pet. Now perhaps is the time to think about helping a larger group of animals who may desperately need your support!

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WORKING FOR THE WELFARE OF ALL SIGHTHOUNDS FOR 25 YEARS Forever Hounds Trust rescues, cares for and finds loving forever homes for greyhounds, lurchers and all other sighthounds in need. We began our charitable work in 1996, so in 2021, we celebrate our 25th anniversary!

O

ver those years, with the help of our supporters, and with the passion and dedication of our volunteers and staff, we have helped more than 10,000 dogs into loving forever homes. These beautiful dogs find themselves in our care for a number of reasons, but they all need us to be there for them, to find them a safe and happy home, having been neglected, abused, or abandoned by the racing industry.

Rescue Work in an Exceptional Year

In normal times, we will always have approximately 50 dogs in rented kennels and experienced foster homes in our operating regions across England.

Following the national lock down, all our kennels closed and our home offers were put on hold. The public could not meet dogs at kennels. We could not home as we were unable to watch the human and hound interactions to ensure a good match. We had to ensure that dogs did not stay longer than necessary in kennels, so we put out an urgent request for fosterers. Potential foster homes were screened via telephone using video footage and photographs. We managed to get 20 dogs into foster care, whilst social distancing was strictly implemented together with sanitisation of dogs, equipment and vans.

During lockdown, we did not receive any intake or homing fees or donations. Our income and awareness of our work was further reduced as all our events and fundraising activities were cancelled. Our charity shop was closed, but our staff continued to work from home to keep essential functions operating.

We are proud to be able to say that, despite the most challenging year in our history, during 2020 we homed more than 200 dogs!

with a dog that we had homed there two years ago, the lovely Braya. So, with the correct PPE in place and social distancing observed, Harper went to meet her new mum, dad and sister.

The introductions went well. Braya was delighted to have a friend and Harper trusted her instantly. Her new family says they could not have had a nicer dog to join them. n Visit our web site – www.foreverhoundstrust.org/happy-homing-for-harper to watch a heart-warming video of Harper living her best life, running free in her new paddock!

The veterinary and therapy bills really mount up for dogs like Harper. We receive no government funding and no money from the greyhound racing industry. We rely on the general public to fund the care that we provide our hounds.

Our charity’s goal is to home and provide opportunities to home, as many sighthounds as possible. Our challenge is to continue to do this effectively throughout the coming years.

Please help us to be there for all of the dogs that will need us throughout 2021.

Happy Homing for Harper

During the coronavirus restrictions, a special set of circumstances allowed us to get lovely lurcher Harper into her forever home.

Harper was one of the last dogs to arrive into our care as the first lock down began. Her rescuers knew nothing of her background, but it was clear that she had not had a good start in life. When she arrived she was very closed down and nervous. It took a great deal of time and patience by our behaviourists and kennelling teams to get her to trust any human being. She would need a special home, and we knew just the family!

The home Harper went into was one already known to us, 40

29 NOVEMBER 2020 – 29 JANUARY 2021 RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE

www.rescueandanimalcare.com

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APPEAL FOR UK’S SMALL RESCUES CELEBRATES ITS FIRST 6 MONTHS

I

t’s been just 6 months since the One Voice for Animals UK Appeal was set up to support wildlife and domestic animal rescue centres and sanctuaries struggling due to the Covid crisis. In that time the Appeal’s volunteers have helped the nation’s smaller rescues bolster both their spirits and their coffers. And the successes won’t stop there, with the Appeal adding to its initiatives just as winter and another national lockdown start when our animals need more help than before.

When the first lockdown started in March, hundreds of small domestic and wildlife animal rescue centres lost their volunteers and their fundraising ability overnight. With no income to pay for food and vets bills, things got desperate very quickly.

Val Green, a civil servant from Nottingham, saw the pleas for help on social media. Val gathered a very small team of volunteers and the group launched the Appeal on 24th April.

Any UK small rescue can join the Appeal to benefit from the free practical and emotional support, fundraising initiatives, and powerful campaigning voice that comes from uniting almost 300 animal organisations.

The group set up www.helpanimals.co.uk which contains a directory of member rescues to allow the public to easily find and support rescues near them.

The "Communities" page of the website also provides links to initiatives for the public to get involved in, such as crafting items like knitted nests, transporting wildlife, and Facebook marketplaces and fundraising auctions.

Devon Wild Otter Trust www.rescueandanimalcare.com

Fife Sculpture

Founder Val Green with some Auction Lots

The group spoke to some of the rescues on its directory to gauge its success for them.

Carol Wokeman from CrossKennan Lane Animal Sanctuary in N. Ireland said: “One Voice for Animals UK has provided a sounding board and a connection in a time when I’ve felt so disconnected and struggled to make sure the animals have all they need. It’s a voice for animals - but more than that the group has provided a voice for those who work with animals, and it’s helped us mentally to know that we aren’t alone.”

Lyndsey Hill from Greatfield Small Animal Rescue centre in Worcestershire said: “The thought of setting up a charity was daunting - advertising, radio coverage, newspaper reports, admin, raising funds...but this was all made easier with the support of One Voice for Animals UK. The team and members couldn't have been any more supportive with encouragement and advice. We have had over £500 worth of donations in items and cash, also over 200 Facebook page likes. We also now have a small team of fosterers/ volunteers from the publicity this has brought us.”

Cumbria Cate with baskets and lights Oct 2020 The first auction raised £3142 for 60 rescues and the upcoming Christmas Auction is set to be even bigger.

The Christmas Auction has over 230 lots for members of the public to bid on.

The winning bids for some of these lots will be paid to the specific rescue who donated the lot. The rest of the lots can benefit any rescue on the Appeal’s member directory - the winning bidder chooses which one they want to support.

Auction lots include ever-popular Pandora charms and other jewellery, hampers, signed books and CDs, vouchers and experiences. There are also plenty of animal-themed goodies, hand-crafted items and artworks, including some spectacular pieces generously donated by renowned artists and photographers.

RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE 29 NOVEMBER 2020 – 29 JANUARY 2021

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Often referred to as the UK’s favourite bird. The Robin can be spotted throughout the year with its bright red breast, especially at Christmas!

We are here to take a look at the Robin, give you some useful facts and tell you everything you need to know about these beautiful little birds What does a Robin look like?

Male Robin

It is one of the easiest European birds to identify. The red face distinguishes it from other red-breasted birds.

Male and females look identical with their red and orange breasts, throats and foreheads, whereas young Robins have no red breast and are often spotted, dark and golden brown.

What does its song sound like?

Robins can be heard singing all year long. In fact, only for a short period in late summer do Robins stop singing.

You will hear both male and female Robins singing, and you might hear them singing at night next to street lights.

One of the most interesting Robin facts is that they have two types of song. In spring, Robin’s song is very powerful and upbeat when compared to Autumn, where it is much more subdued. Listen now! https://youtu.be/Qfln7hgqMoU

Sunflower hearts Our most popular and versatile bird food.

Our sunflower seeds for birds are a must have in any garden. Our sunflower products tend to attract a large variety of birds and happen to be a particular favourite of wild birds such as finches, starling, tits and robins.

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Female Robin Behaviours of a Robin When food is more readily available during the summer months, Robins are much more likely to forage for food in woodland rather than in our gardens.

Throughout the rest of the year, they can be found searching for their favourite food, sunflower hearts, on our bird tables.

Robins are considered to be very friendly birds! You might even be able

to get them to feed on your hand and you’ll most certainly be able to spot them in your garden.

Where and when can I see this bird?

Robins live across the UK in woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens. You can spot them all year round, but you’re more likely to see them in your garden outside of the summer months.

Don’t forget, if you spot a Robin, make sure to log it in our Kennedy Wild Bird Food Birdspotter app! https://birdspotter.kennedywildbirdfood.co.uk/

29 NOVEMBER 2020 – 29 JANUARY 2021 RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE

www.rescueandanimalcare.com

Kennedys USE.qxp_Layout 1 08/08/2019 09:57 Page 49

www.kennedywildbirdfood.co.uk

Supplying the UK with high-quality wild bird food and bird seed We are a family run wild bird food and wild bird seed supplier based in rural Lincolnshire. We supply only the finest quality products.

SUITABLE FOR ALL YEAR ROUN D FEEDING FROM BIRD TABLES

Ground feed mix Our orginal ground feed mixture that's so adored by Robins, Blackbirds, Song Thrushes and all other ground feeding birds. Suitable for all year round feeding.

Either scattetered on the floor or placed on a table or ground feeder. Contains no wheat. £32.20/25kg

SUITABLE FOR ALL SMALL BIRDS

Split Peanuts

Economy wild bird mix

Small blanched, split peanuts (skins removed). Extra rich in both protein and oils, thus making an excellent and essential food for all year feeding. Peanuts are suitable and liked by most species of birds, and have long been the most popular of wild bird feeds. All our peanuts are certified as nil detectable signs of aflatoxin. £42.99/25kg

ADORED

BY ROBINS, BLACKBIRDS AND SONG THRUSHES

With our specialised blending of a number of nutritional seeds, this mix is suitable for a large variety of birds. High in black sunflower thus providing oil and protein and meeting all essential feeding requirements. Suitable for all year round feeding. £24.95/25kg

Superior high energy mix An extremely high energy mixture blended with the highest quality seeds.

Suitable for all small birds and ideal for all year round feeding. Best fed from a seedfeeder or scattered on a bird table.

Contains nowheat. £35.65/25kg

ATTRACTIVE TO ROBINS, BLACKBIRDS AND THRUSHES

Dried mealworms Dried mealworms are a tasty treat for garden birds with all the nutrition of live mealworms without the 'worm factor'.

Attractive to robins, blackbirds, thrushes and all other insect eating birds.

Available in sizes ranging from 250g to 10kg. £33.50/3kg

ALL YEAR ROUND FEEDING

Sunflower hearts Bakery grade premium sunflower hearts.

No unsightly husk. A food that is loved by most species of birds being high in both protein and oils. Makes a most desirable all year round food. £35.99/25kg

SUITABLE FOR A WIDE RANG E OF WILD BIRDS

Suet special blend mix

Small fatballs The best, fattiest fat balls on the internet. Small Fat balls (no nets) offer a wide range of wild birds a nutritious and important source of energy specifically during winter and nesting season. Each fatball at approx 95g available in either boxes of 150 or 2 boxes of 150. £37.60/300.

This blended suet mixture is packed full of highIy calorific ingredients, it is ideal for all year round feeding and will attract a great variety of both small and medium sized birds to your garden. No re-growth under feeding station. Contains no wheat. £43.20/25kg

5% DISCOUNT on all orders OVER £50 Tel: 01778 342665

FREE NEXT DAY DELIVERY

info@kennedywildbirdfood.co.uk

Won’t grow mix Blended with 60% bakery grade sunflowerhearts, this energy rich mixture has been blended to ensure no re-growth under your feeding station. Suitable for all year round feeding. Best fed from seed feeder, scattered on bird table or from ground feeder. Contains no wheat.£38.25/25kg

Superior finch mix This classic mixture was blended specifically with finches in mind.

Contains a wonderful selection of the finest seeds and is suitable for all year round feeding. Best fed from seedfeeder or scattered on a bird table. Contains no wheat. £36.65/25kg

10% off first order for new customers use promo code NEW10 at checkout

p44.qxp_Layout 1 03/12/2020 10:53 Page 44

iCatCare leads a pioneering movement for unowned cats with Cat Friendly Solutions initiative Leading feline charity International Cat Care (iCatCare) is launching a new programme on 5th December to help people working with unowned cats and is kicking this off with a free, certified course.

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iCatCare has spent years working with and learning from the organisations and individuals helping the estimated 300 million unowned cats that exist worldwide.

This number already accounts for more than half the predicted global population of domestic cats and is rising year on year. In recognising this as one of the greatest current threats to feline welfare, International Cat Care has made it the focus of their new initiative, Cat Friendly Solutions for Unowned Cats (CFSOC).

To launch the programme, iCatCare has created a free, certified introductory course called ‘Bringing Cat Friendly Solutions for Unowned Cats to Life’. Through the emotional and uplifting stories of three very different cats, users will learn the principles of CFSOC. With interactive storytelling and opportunities to test your knowledge as you progress, it’s an accessible and enjoyable way to learn about unowned cats and the issues surrounding them.

At the core of the CFSOC programme is a virtual library of high-quality advice and information created using the latest research and expert knowledge, giving guidance on all aspects of working with unowned cats.

It’s freely available to everyone, from established professionals, volunteers and

29 NOVEMBER 2020 – 29 JANUARY 2021 RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE

organisations, to those who are interested in the subject or just starting out.

Another key element of CFSOC is the community. iCatCare aims to help those working with unowned cats by connecting likeminded people in a welcoming and open environment. Members will be able to share knowledge, ideas, issues and experiences, and foster relationships with others all over the world which will lead to collaborative working for those working in similar areas.

Vicky Halls, Cat Friendly Homing Project Manager at iCatCare and CFSOC lead, said ‘We strongly believe that collaboration, mutual support and care are needed for us to provide all cats with the best possible life experience. Be loud and proud about what you have achieved already but, for the sake of cats, aspire, with the support of others, to evolve from great to even better, as even little changes can make a difference to the species we all care about so much’ n Join the movement that’s evolving the way we work with unowned cats. Visit https://bit.ly/2KH4FYP for more information about CFSOC and to take the course when it becomes available on 5th December. www.rescueandanimalcare.com

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Visit our website or call: 01780 410313

Supplier to the best breeders, rescuers and catteries for 20 years

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Our cat cages offer safe, comfortable, hygienic accommodation and we pride ourselves on an enviable reputation throughout the UK, Europe, USA and even Australia for excellent service and superior product design.

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Grieving girl’s priceless reaction when reunited with long lost cat A cat missing for nine months and presumed dead is reunited with a grieving young girl – and her reaction is priceless.

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fter nine months of searching for her beloved cat, 10-year-old Katya Harmon had reluctantly accepted that she wouldn’t see Timmy again. The pair had been inseparable since they bonded eight years previously and the loss made 2020 an even more difficult year for Katya.

Katya’s father Perry had died of cancer in the summer and the family was so overcome with grief that her mother Svitlana took extended leave from her role as a care home worker to come to terms with the loss and care for Katya.

In January the Surrey family moved from Chertsey to West End, Woking.

Timmy was kept indoors for the first few weeks but, on only the second time being let out in his new neighbourhood, he failed to return home. They searched garages and sheds, knocked on doors and posted on social media, but no sightings were reported.

Katya was inconsolable for weeks, living in hope of his safe return. After being missing for nine months, mum Svitlana felt the time had come to accept that Timmy was gone for ever and she would need to help her daughter heal. The process started with Svitlana getting rid of Timmy’s toys and bedding, unaware that their luck was about to change.

Within days, Svitlana received a ground-shaking call while doing the school run. Incredibly, Timmy had been found safe and well and would be coming home, thanks to him being microchipped (https://youtu.be/moZDgX-dfEc).

Pauline Welch, Welfare Officer for Cats Protection’s Woking and District Branch, said: “We had a report from a lady who had been feeding a suspected stray cat for a couple of months. I went round and scanned him for a microchip, which he had thankfully. While there I looked up the number on our system and saw

Katya and Timmy

that it had been registered to an address in Chertsey.”

Although Svitlana hadn’t updated their address on Timmy’s microchip, her mobile number remained the same and Woking’s Cats Protection team (www.cats.org.uk/woking) was able to call and break the happy news.

Pauline said: “The lady who answered was indeed missing her cat Timmy and was over the moon that he’d been found. Her daughter had been devastated when he went missing and had asked her mum that very morning if she’d ever see him again. It’s a heart wrenching story with a happy ending. It certainly brought a few tears to our eyes, that’s for sure.”

Relieved mum Svitlana was bowled over when she took the call, she said: “I had just taken Katya to school when I received a totally unexpected call from Cats Protection. I had given up hope of ever receiving such a call. Timmy was coming home. It was almost unbelievable.

“I knew that Katya would be overjoyed to see Timmy. That was when I hit on the idea of filming that special moment, to capture Katya’s reaction to finding Timmy hiding on her bed.”

No sooner had Pauline made the call than Timmy was delivered back to his home. All the while Katya was at school and couldn’t imagine the surprise waiting for her on her return. Thankfully, Svitlana captured that moment when Katya is reunited with her beloved cat on video: https://youtu.be/moZDgX-dfEc The joyful return of Timmy went some way to improving a devastating year for Katya and her mum. Svitlana said: “We’ve had it hard this year, like so many people. It has been hard to see any end to it. And then I had a miracle call from Cats Protection. It really brought some light back into our world.

“If it wasn’t for that microchip, we wouldn’t have Timmy home with us now.

He won’t leave Katya’s side and she is besotted with him. He came back to us two days before my birthday; that really was the best present I could have hoped for this year.”

Cats Protection’s work is possible thanks to the generous donations of supporters and volunteers, especially during the COVID-19 crisis when fundraising has been hit hard. To donate to the Woking and District Branch and to support cats like Timmy, visit: www.cats.org.uk/christmas/donate Timmy’s story mirrors Cats Protection’s Christmas campaign featuring a tear-jerking animation created by multi award-winning Aardman Studios. The beautiful three-minute animation is inspired by the true story of a young boy and his missing cat, Casper, and highlights the value of microchips for pets. To watch the Christmas animation, visit www.cats.org.uk/christmas According to Cats Protection’s CATS report 2020*, over a quarter (26%) of owned cats in the UK are not chipped.

The charity is actively campaigning to change this by making it a legal requirement for cats to be microchipped, as it is for dogs.

We are delighted to support the Animal Charities featured in this Magazine Tel: 01952 245330

www.dogmatic.org.uk

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A Winter Wonderland of Gifts for Your Pets

www.rescueandanimalcare.com

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Dogmatic Headcollar All the comfort and control of the original renowned leather Dogmatic Headcollar with the soft, gentle touch of slimline, luxurious, padded cushioned webbing.

Available in 5 colours. From ÂŁ24.99.

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Matching Range of Trigger Hook Leads

The soft padded lined webbing is fully wipe-able, therefore, easy to clean.

Ideal for walking and training.

Padded, Cushioned Webbing Matching Range of Adjustable Collars Adjustable with strong clasp fastening Small: 15 mm x 260-400 mm Medium: 20 mm x 350-500 mm Large: 25 mm x 480-700 mm.

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Collars & Leads

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All these products are available from www.dogmatic.org.uk

Leather Gripper Training Leads Our design gives added security and confidence, offering multiple uses - ideal for walking/training or wet weather conditions. Can also be used with gloves.

Leather full Non-slip Lead

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Leather Gripper Collars

Now available top quality, buckle collars in a combination of rein web with rubber insert and quality leather. These collars are beautifully made and also have the bonus of matching our Gripper Training Leads. Available in Black/Brass and Brown/Brass.

Soft Leather Show slip Lead

Available in Black/Brass and Brown/Brass.

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Full vegetable tanned leather lead with rubber rein grip encasing the leather from hand loop to trigger hook and reinforced with leather at point of stitching.

PCW Training Leads Ideal for training, obedience and general walking. The Training Leads can be used at different lengths, for general walking, lengthened for use in Training (practising recalls etc...), for giving your dog more room to stretch out on a walk, for tethering your dog to a bench etc... or for walking two dogs together. A quality Lead offering multiple uses. Can be wiped clean and very comfortable to hold.

Dogmatic Headcollar The New Luxurious Soft and Lined Leather Dogmatic Headcollar. ÂŁ37.99.

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Gum Gum Cookie 25cm Raw Rubber Chew Toy With Hemp Strap. (£4.95).

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Kong Large Fetch Stick

Fabric stick with easy grip knotted rope - Lenght 22" Stick 11". (£8.49).

Soft Laughing Ball Toy

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BORDER COLLIE CALENDAR

Oh how it giggles, an addictive chuckle that will keep any dog entertained. (£4.25).

2021 Border Collie Square Calendar. £9.99.

All these products are available from www.bordercollietrustgb.org.uk Baby Honk Pig 17 x 7 x 7cm Stretchy Tough Latex Pink or Black/Grey. (£4.75).

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Se ngth eak 9.75 Le squ s. (£ y to nkle cri

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Bright Ball

Catmosphere Dispenser Ball

Bright Ball approx 9cm with double squeak. (£3.49).

Dispenser Ball Ideal for Puppies and Cats. (£6.99).

Flashing Star Ball Star Ball 9cm Flashes and Floats Blue Chicken or Pink Pig. (£6.99).

Soft Multi Sqeak Pheasant Toy 50cm Flat bodied toy with 8 squeaks. (£6.49).

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DATE FOR YOUR DIARY For all your important dates the 2021 Slimline Diary. £5.49.

Net of 6 Tennis Balls (2 each Pink, Purple and Green) 6cm with a good bounce. (£6.00).

Hang on the tree Wooden Christmas Decoration. £3.99.

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KONG OCTOPUS TOY Kong Octopus Toy. Hours of fun for the dog and Bramley the office dog absolutely loves his. £10.00.

CLASSIC BOMBER FLEECE LINED JACKET REGATTA Classic Bomber Fleece Lined Jacket. Available in different colours and sizes. £33.99.

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Childs Labrador Apron Any child would be proud to have an Apron with their favourite dog imprinted on it.

All these products are available from www.labrador-lifeline.com

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LLT XMAS CARD

SOPHIE ALLPORT WOOF TEA TOWEL

This delightful card is 14.5cm square and comes in pack of 10 with envelopes. £5.50.

PAWPRINT FRIDGE MAGNET

If you buy one of these you are supporting many rescues, not just LLT. It will make you smile each time you see it. £3.00.

Would make an excellent present for the dog lover and light to post too. £8.50.

LABRADOIR CHOIR CARD Pack of 10 cards with envelopes.

Greeting inside ‘Wishing you a Happy Christmas and Peaceful New Year’.

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Kong Shaker The ultimate dog toy for shakers and movers!

Squeaks and rattles to satisfy natural instincts. £10.00.

Kong Wild Knots Bird

LED POCKET TORCH

very rches emit a These little to . .£3.50 bright led light

Hours of fun with this toy which has rope inside to make it tougher. £10.00.

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SOPHIE ALLPORT – FAB LAB MUGS This white fine bone china mug features the Black Lab, Yellow Lab, Fox Red Lab and Chocolate Lab. £14.00.

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d LUXURY WHITE HAND TOWEL Luxurious thick pile, herringbone style double border and hanging loop 100% cotton towelling. Size approx. 50 x 90 cms. £12 plus p&p.

SUPRAFLEECE SCARF Suprafleece scarf to keep the chill out with our lovely scarf embroidered with a lovely galgo head design. Ultra thermal fabric warmth without weight. Pill resistant with a contemporary tassel design. Size approx.

150 x 25 cms. Available in Red or Charcoal. £14 plus p&p.

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2" WIDE MARTINGALE COLLAR Made from Jacquard ribbon in Regal Plume design in Gold and Silver.

Adjusts to fit 13" to 18" neck size. £10 plus p&p.

GIN CALENDAR 2021 Each month featuring one of our rescued galgos - Kofi, Rosa, Bella, Cati, Jake, Mateo, Flossie, Pam, Purdy, Winnie, Kesa and Valentine. Size approx.

12" x 8½". £7.50 plus p&p.

All these products are available from https://greyhoundsinneed.co.uk/eshop/ FACE COVERS

CHRISTMAS MUG A lovely Christmas design porcelain mug that comes in its own gift box. Dishwasher and microwave safe Size approx.

10 x 7 cms. £8 plus p&p.

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Pack of 2 premier washable 2-Ply Black face covers with a printed greyhound design in grey. 95% cotton/5% elastane. Reusable 2-ply mask.

Ear loops for a secure fit. Sold in packs of 2. £12.00 plus p&p.

GIN CHRISTMAS CARDS Greyhounds in Need Christmas cards designed by Alison Lingley. Published exclusively for GIN. Each pack contains 8 cards with envelopes. Size approx 8" x 5".

The greeting inside each card reads: “With best wishes for Christmas and the New Year”. £5 plus p&p.

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MICROFIBRE TOWEL Ideal for many uses such as your dog's bath time or those rainy walks.

Colour - Bottle Green. Size approx.

70 x 120 cms. Material 90% microfibre polyester and 10% polymide. £12 plus p&p.

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FLEECE COAT Christmas design fleece coat, complete with a snood collar and Velcro fastening. Available in size 26", 28" and 30". £15 plus p&p.

3D NOTEBOOK Handy size 3D Note book Featuring a lovely Brindle greyhound, Wiro-bound 50 ruled leaves Size approx. 6" x 4". £2.95 plus p&p.

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TO SUIT ALL YOUR DOGS’ NEEDS Customisable Whelping boxes. Any colour, Lightweight, Robust, Come pre-assembled, Easy to clean and maintain.

Visit www.thedaleskennelcompany.co.uk/whelpingbox

Pet Power!

The Catit Senses 2.0 Play Circuit is sure to keep your cat entertained for hours on end! The Circuit consists of a ball that zips around a closed track with special peek-a-boo cover that stimulates cats to chase and swat the ball.

Discover more at www.catit.co.uk

Great products for you and your Pets Dr. John Silver with Chicken and Vegetables Complete and balanced nutrition for your dog. With 18% protein and 6% fat. The perfect diet for light activity, maintenance and resting dogs.

Visit www.gilpa.co.uk

Retrieve it!

Zeus Bomber The new Bomber ball now has an added squeaker too!

Visit www.zeusdog.co.uk

Catit Flower Fountain Keeps your cat hydrated with a constant supply of fresh, flowing water. Since cats are picky drinkers, Catit developed the Flower Fountain to feature 3 different settings: a gentle water flow, a bubbling top, or calm streams. Discover more at www.catit.co.uk

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Detergent cleaner and sanitiser for all surfaces Cruelty Free, biodegradable, non-corrosive and pH balanced. Effective against bacteria, viruses, fungi and odours. Helps prevent cross infection. Available in six fresh fragrances: Apple, Bubblegum, Cherry, Freesia, Lavender, Lemon. Available in 5ltr & 25ltr containers. Visit www.ghs-direct.com

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Treat yourself to a little bit of luxury‌ The ingenious design in a Barking Bag allow you to carry everything you and your dog need without compromising on style. The new range has extra secure internal pockets and reflective strips for added safety in the dark and the luxury leather bags are handmade in India, making them an extra special gift. Visit www.barkingbags.co.uk

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Puppy Mix Biscuits Perfect for puppies and small mouthed dogs.

Visit www.finerbynature.co.uk

Perfect for interactive fetch and tug!

K9 Fitness by Zeus Tennis Ball Ballistic Twist Tug Keep your dog engaged and entertained with a variety of stimulating textures! Visit www.zeusdog.co.uk

WITH 250ML BOTTLE

Battery operated Atomiser Suitable for all mammals showing signs of stress including cats, dogs, rabbits, rodents, ferrets, and horses.

Visit www.petremedy.co.uk

Dr. John Gold Rich in Chicken with Vegetables.

Complete and balanced nutrition for your dog. With 20% protein and 9% fat. The perfect diet for dogs with regular and increased activity.

Visit www.gilpa.co.uk

Action Dog TNT The Ultimate toy for Adventurous dogs. ÂŁ5.99. Visit www.naturalhealthypets.co.uk

The Heritage Collection Country Check Step in Harness Features light and breathable mesh for comfort along with reflective band to increase your dog’s visibility in low light. Available now at www.petcetera.co.uk

The Dexas Mud Buster Add a little water, insert the muddy paw, do the twist, and dab the paw dry. Available now at www.petcetera.co.uk

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The Ancol Extreme Monsoon Coat The ultimate coat for the adventurer, built to take on the rain, wind and mud and designed for comfort. 7 sizes and 3 colours to choose from. Available now at www.petcetera.co.uk

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Dr. John Titanium Chicken with Vegetables Complete and balanced nutrition for your dog. With 25% protein and 15% fat. The perfect diet for active adults and junior dogs.

Visit www.gilpa.co.uk

When you have finished with this item, it can be placed in the textiles recycling bin.

The Ancol 'Made From' Log Dog Toy Crafted from material sourced entirely from tshirts that would otherwise go into landfill.

Available now at www.petcetera.co.uk

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Making The Cut! Please click here to view our full collection

https://www.abbfabbgroomingscissors.com/collections

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Abbfabb Grooming Scissors Left Handed 4.5" Detailing Dog Grooming Scissor

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Benefitting from being extremely lightweight, this scissor is perfect for all those small trimmed areas such as feet, ears, small breed faces and around the eyes.

Abbfabb Grooming Scissors Rainbow 6” 10 Tooth Chunker This 6" 10 Tooth dog grooming scissor has been ergonomically designed from 440c Japanese stainless steel, offering the ultimate comfort with correctly balanced handles and lightweight feel. This dog grooming chunker will help a dog groomer create a choppy or chunky finish on a correctly prepared coat.

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Abbfabb Grooming Scissors Left Handed 7.5" Texturising/ Chunker Scissor with Pretty Jewelled Screw

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Abbfabb Grooming Scissors 7” Dual Purpose Dog Grooming Comb

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These combs offer versatility with both wide and thin teeth sections. Begin with wide teeth section and continue to comb until all knots are removed.

Featuring a very pretty jewelled tension screw, this dog grooming shear is lightweight and ultra comfortable due to the ergonomically shaped handles and correct balance. This dog grooming scissor will leave a soft texture on a suitable prepared dog coat.

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This style of dog grooming scissor is perfect for Asian Fusion style grooming and creating roundness on the dog's heads, feet, legs and rib cages, especially on small to medium sized dog breeds and cross breeds. It is excellent for producing a beautiful finish when used on a correctly prepared dog coat.

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CLASSIFIEDS If you would like to place an advertisement call our animal friendly team on 01787 228027

DESIGNER KENNELS

ASTROTURF

Designer Kennels Ltd

Prices from £5.oo per sq.mtr.

WHEN IT COMES TO PLASTIC KENNELS AND CATTERIES WE ARE NO.1

No. 1 for service, quality and prices. Our kennels are constructed from tough polypropolene and edged with aluminium to make them virtually indestructable and with so many designs and sizes to choose from its no wonder so many top breeders and boarding kennels now have Designer Kennels. With 1000s of kennels and catteries installed throughout the UK that is why we are No. 1

www.designer-kennels.com 14b Swordfish Way, Sherburn in Elmet, North Yorkshire LS25 6NG Tel/Fax: 01977 685500

Ideal for lawns, patios, garden sports, child and pet friendly. Self fit putting greens. Self draining.

Visit us at www.astroman.co.uk or Call 01480 496028 or 07836 325 901

Email: astroman.ray@tiscali.co.uk

RESCUE CENTRES

Tel: 01889 577058 www.bordercollietrustgb.org.uk Reg Charity No:1053585

To place an advert please call 01787 228027

Leicester Animal Aid Association We are an English registered charity concerned with the plight of greyhounds, especially the Spanish-bred hunting greyhounds (galgos) Please visit our website: www.greyhoundsinneed.co.uk Charity No. CI0/1174351

The Huncote Pet Rescue Centre Elmwood Farm Leicester LE9 6LE Tel: 01455 888257 www.leicesteranimalaid.org.uk Email: info@leicesteranimalaid.org.uk

Forest Dog Rescue

Green Gap Kennels, Far Forest Worcestershire DY14 9DX Tel: 01299 269181 www.forest-dog-rescue.org.uk Email: info@forest‐dog‐ rescue.org.uk

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Transport cages Your pets can travel in comfort, safety and style

Our range of transport cages come in a choice of colours and configurations.

These are all custom made and tailored to the vehicle and the customer’s needs and requirements.

We offer an extensive range of colours and finishes for the panels and drawers, and can colour match the vehicle if required. info@thedaleskennelcompany.co.uk

01969 666063

www.thedaleskennelcompany.co.uk