Issue 6 I Summer 2019 I www.themayhew.org
In this issue... Kitten season
Hot dog! Summer tips from Oli Juste Our rescues that are giving back
SUMMER 2019
Front cover photo of kitten Swede by Georgie Wishart. Read about ‘kitten season’ on page 12.
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.
for dogs, cats and communities Editor: Shelley Warnaby shelley@mayhewanimalhome.org Design: arc, www.arc-cs.com
Many thanks to our contributors and photographers: Jess Feehan, Audrey Granger, Cara Greenwood, Sarah Hastelow, Graham Hilling, Alissa Johnson, Matthew Pearson, Jody Thompson, Rowan Williams, Georgie Wishart and 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
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Making the most of summer
Welcome to our summer magazine, packed with the latest Mayhew news, info and unmissable stories.
If you’re looking forward to making the most of a long, hot summer by heading out and about with your pup, dog trainer and behaviourist Oli Juste shares his expert advice for dog-proofing your plans on page 18. And don’t forget to check out our top tips for tick-bite prevention on page 26 while you’re at it!
On page 20 we shine a spotlight on the work of Mayhew International and HOPE & Animal Trust, who work tirelessly on the ground in India to improve the lives of stray dogs; while on page 12 you’ll find a four-page special on ‘kitten season’ and how we help the influx of adorable, yet unwanted litters brought in to Mayhew at this time of year. Lastly, you can find full details for this year’s Hounds on the Heath on the back page. This fun-packed day out on 14 July is one for all the family, including your fourlegged wbest pal – we hope you’ll be able to join us. Happy reading!
Contents 04
10
24
Mayhew news
In their shoes
The rescues that are giving back
06
12
26
Guest chat: Sally Muir
Overrun with kittens
The tricky tick
28
The incredible journey
07
Tess’s story
08
The power of plants
16
Cats and dogs looking for a home
29
Cats are a real MarvelTM
18
Ask the expert: Oli Juste
20
Mayhew International
30
Your letters
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News
SUMMER 2019
L home at last Hugo,
ong-stayer Hugo has finally settled in at his forever home, and his new owners Zoe and Aaron really went to extra lengths to adopt him. Their landlord wouldn’t provide the formal pet agreement they expected, so rather than risk losing Hugo, they immediately started house-hunting. In the end, they had to rent two houses and move twice in one month, but Zoe explained, ‘It was worth every second of hassle and every pound spent to finally bring Hugo home!’
Protect your pet with Mayhew’s Booster Bundle!
Our Community Vet Clinic in Kensal Green is offering all pet owners the chance to vaccinate their cat or dog for life for a one-off payment of £99. To find out more, contact the clinic on 020 8962 8017, or drop by during opening hours (find them online at themayhew.org/contact).
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BOOST BUNDLER E
Quiz is the cat’s whiskers
M
ayhew’s very first quiz night, sponsored by Riverford, was a roaring success, raising over £1,300 to help the dogs and cats in our care.
Cattery event raises £2,300!
O
n a sunny Sunday in April we held our first-ever Easter-themed Cattery event at the Home and were overwhelmed by the fantastic turnout. It was lovely to see familiar faces and meet new supporters, and the afternoon was filled with games to play, cats to see and lots of treats! Our friends at Edgard & Cooper kindly sponsored the party, armed with nutritious food for our cats and prizes for our guests.
Guests competed to test their trivia knowledge and, between rounds, enjoyed a luxury raffle and tombola.
Everyone was in high spirits throughout, and the evening’s entertainment stretched on well into the night before the top dogs were announced. We already can’t wait to plan the next one…
We hope you can join us for the Mayhew Open Day on 8 September – our annual street party is another great chance to say hello to some of our cats and dogs.
Dr Mo honoured in awards list
We were thrilled to hear that Mayhew Afghanistan’s Country Director, Dr Adbul Jalil Mohammadzai DVM (Dr Mo), will receive the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons International Award. This prestigious award recognises individuals who go above and beyond in their efforts to raise veterinary standards and improve animal welfare abroad. It was given to Dr Mo in recognition of his groundbreaking work in Kabul, where he strives tirelessly to help create a safer community for both animals and people.
To keep up with the latest news from Mayhew, visit themayhew.org/about/ news or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. I 5
SUMMER 2019
Guest chat: Sally Muir
A
rtist Sally Muir is probably best known for her wonderful portraits of dogs, which she has been painting in her striking, inimitable style since leaving art school 15 years ago. You may also have spotted Sally’s art in clothing and home decor store Anthropologie, who commissioned her to create a range of dog-themed homeware, including plates, mugs and tea towels. Was there a particular dog that started it all?
We had dogs when I was a child, and I used to draw all the dogs that I wished we had too! When I rescued my first dog, Fanny, I drew her a lot.
How do you prefer to work with your four-legged subjects?
I paint most commissions from photographs, as often it isn’t possible for the dog to come to my studio if they live miles away, or perhaps the pet has passed away and the owner would like something special to remember them by. I also enjoy sketching and drawing dogs, but they don’t tend to keep still for long!
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Do dogs ever have ‘accidents’ when they are in your studio?
Dogs often pee in my studio and have been known to pee on a painting! Fortunately, most of the paintings are oils so can be wiped down.
Are there any dogs you particularly enjoy drawing and painting?
All dogs have their own personalities, which I like to capture in the portraits, but I have a passion for anything in the sighthound family: lurchers, greyhounds, whippets, galgos [Spanish greyhounds]. I have my own two whippets, Lily and Peggy, and have become interested in galgos since visiting a rescue centre in Spain and drawing and painting them on-site.
We hear you recently met an exMayhew dog…
My great friend and partner in the knitting business Joanna Osborne [the pair’s knitting book, Dogs on Jumpers, is out now] adopted a gorgeous Mayhew dog, Edie, at the end of 2018. I painted Edie’s portrait as a Christmas present for Joanna.
Win a copy of A Dog A Day!
We have two signed copies of Sally’s latest book, A Dog A Day, to give away to two lucky readers. The lovingly curated collection is a real celebration of dogs, with 365 beautiful artworks of canines of all shapes and sizes.
To enter the prize draw, send your full name and address to Tails Magazine, Mayhew, Trenmar Gardens, London NW10 6BJ, or by email to tails@ mayhewanimalhome. org. Deadline midnight, 1 July 2019. Full T&Cs at themayhew.org/ adogaday.
Rescued Tess makes a full recovery
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hen six-year-old German shepherd Tess first arrived at Mayhew, she was emaciated, weak and covered in sores. Our Vet and Kennels teams worked around the clock to save her – feeding her six small meals a day, giving her regular medicated baths and creating a warm, cosy environment in which she could recover. Despite her shaky start, Tess began to respond to our care, love and dedication. After a few weeks of treatment, her skin showed a marked improvement and her weight had increased to within a healthier range. Her fur grew back, and she became much more energetic.
Throughout her recovery, Tess’s true personality also began to shine through. She showed herself to be lively and spirited, with a real love of tennis balls! She began to get visibly giddy and excited
about going on walks, and she was keen to socialise and interact with staff.
Tess soon seemed like a completely different dog to the nervous, withdrawn girl we’d first met.
Maria Markey, Head of Kennels, tells us: “Tess has shown a remarkable improvement in every way. She’s developed into such a character, and it’s so nice to see her looking healthy and happy and enjoying life at last. She’s really bounced back, and we can’t wait to rehome her with the right person.” We couldn’t care for Tess and animals like her without the kind-hearted generosity of our supporters, and we can’t thank everyone who donated to Tess’s appeal enough.
Two months on, we are thrilled to say that Tess is finally ready to find a forever family of her own. She is currently available for adoption and is looking for an experienced owner who will love her as much as we do.
To read Tess’s story in full and find out how you can support animals in need at Mayhew, visit themayhew. org/tess. I 7
SUMMER 2019
The power of plants T
he medicinal benefits of herbs and plants for humans are well known; however, you may be surprised to hear that plants can help our canine and feline friends too, from soothing skin conditions to aiding anxiety sufferers.
Many of the animals at Mayhew have endured tough times before they come through our doors. Providing access to safe plants in a secure environment can offer them comfort and reduce stress levels as we prepare them for their new forever homes.
Sensory enjoyment for our dogs
At Mayhew, we have developed a sensory garden for our dogs. This is an outdoor run which acts as a safe haven, made up of numerous different smells, textures and sounds. The plants in the garden provide stimulation and enrichment, but each has also been specifically chosen for its healing properties and ability to reduce stress and anxiety.
Top plants for pooches!
Chamomile: soothes anxiety, skin issues or stomach upsets. Lavender: reduces anxiety.
Vervain: helps with nervous system disorders like depression.
Meadowsweet: reduces inflammation and aids digestive problems, arthritis and rheumatic conditions.
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As the weather improves, we take our dogs into the sensory garden as much as we can, letting them potter around and enjoy games with toys – or water when it is very hot! We also use the space to work on some basic training or socialisation skills, and sometimes dogs will meet their potential adopters here, as it is a calming environment and the dogs feel at home. Our Kennels team and volunteers are always on hand, watching over the dogs in case they have any unusual adverse reactions to the plants.
Here at Mayhew, we grow cat grass in pots and place them in the enclosures of our adult cats and vaccinated kitten for them to munch on, which they do with gusto! Another firm favourite with many of our feline residents is catnip, which we also grow at Mayhew for them to enjoy. If you’ve ever seen a cat around catnip then you’ll know that they can go totally crazy for it, becoming more playful, loving and confident. The sedative effects of catnip can also really help to calm down a stressed kitty, reducing anxiety and depression.
Scenting and exploring
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Some of the dogs that come to Mayhew struggle to cope initially with a kennel environment, but we find that even the most withdrawn and overwhelmed dogs will investigate the plants in our sensory garden.
Kayleigh Kilcommons Head of Cattery
Did you know?
Dogs can suffer from hay fever, just like people! Some research suggests that dogs are more likely to develop signs of hay fever if they aren’t exposed to a variety of grasses and plants in their early life.
For example, dogs that are particularly highly strung or have hormonal imbalances often gravitate towards clary sage. While engaged in scenting and exploring, they stop focusing on any anxieties or tensions they may have and are able to begin to relax. We also use essential oil remedies in our kennels too, to soothe and calm our residents.
Herbal therapy for our cats
Nibbling on grass is a natural behaviour for cats. Research has not yet shown why domestic cats are attracted to it, but it could be linked to the fact that wild cats will often eat grass after they have devoured their prey, helping them expel the indigestible parts. Another theory is that cats eat grass for some trace minerals and vitamins A and D. Whatever the reason, cats seem to love it!
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When cats first come to us, they can be nervous about their new surroundings, but once we offer them catnip leaves or pouches filled with valerian (another good stress-relieving plant) even the most withdrawn cat will investigate!
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It is truly amazing
to observe the change in behaviour from when a dog enters the garden to how they are when they leave. Maria Markey Head of Kennels
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Garden fun!
Ones to watch out for
As pets look forward to exploring the flora and fauna this summer, remember that some plants should be steered well clear of. Foxgloves, daffodils (especially the bulbs), cherry laurel, rhododendrons, wisteria and chrysanthemums can be toxic if eaten. Lilies, although very beautiful, are particularly toxic to cats and can cause severe kidney damage. If you think your dog or cat has ingested a toxic plant, it is essential that you seek veterinary advice immediately.
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In their shoes SUMMER 2019
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ayhew’s Board of Trustees plays a really important role, dedicating their time to supporting Mayhew’s staff team with strategic direction and making sure we’re doing what we need to do to help as many animals as possible. For this issue of ‘In their shoes’, Chair of the Board Svetlana Ignatieva tells us what she’s learned from her 10 years as a Mayhew trustee.
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Trustees are the people who have overall responsibility for governing charities like Mayhew, working together with the staff team to deliver the organisation’s charitable objectives. Trustees have a legal obligation to ensure the charity is carrying out its purposes for the public benefit, complying with laws and managing its resources responsibly.
What inspired you to get involved with Mayhew?
For as long as I remember, I’ve always loved animals. As a child, I helped my mum look after homeless dogs on the streets of Moscow. When my work took me to Chicago and Amsterdam, I volunteered in animal shelters and adopted two cats. But I realised that sheltering and rehoming are not sustainable solutions to the problem of animal overpopulation, especially in some of the more challenging overseas locations, so when I moved to London I looked for an organisation that was doing something to prevent the problem in the first place. I found out about Mayhew’s work in Russia by searching online and was really impressed with the International Vet Training Programme. First, I started volunteering in the cattery, and soon after joined the Board of Trustees.
Any favourite memories from your time as a Mayhew trustee?
I have been a trustee for over 10 years, and it has been so exciting to see Mayhew grow and develop, expanding its impact both in the UK and overseas. I’m very proud to be part of the team and contribute in a small way to that success. One of the strongest memories was joining Mayhew International on a recent trip to Georgia and seeing first-hand how the work of our vets alleviates animal suffering on the ground. And my favourite event was adopting a little three-legged puppy – from a scrappy, mangy and sad beginning, Miro is now a healthy, confident and fun-loving young dog, a much-loved member of our family and a great ambassador for Mayhew and all rescue animals.
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For as long as I remember, I’ve always loved animals. As a child, I helped my mum look after homeless dogs on the streets of Moscow.
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What exactly is a trustee?
What are you most excited about for Mayhew in 2019?
The support of our new Patron is invaluable and a huge testament to the exceptional work of Mayhew. We all very much look forward to working with HRH The Duchess of Sussex to shine a light on Mayhew’s work and help more animals and communities.
Are there any specific skills you need to be a trustee?
I am a chartered accountant and worked in business for many years before transitioning my career to the charity sector. I’m now COO for a large international wildlife conservation organisation, which allows me to bring relevant skills and share knowledge of how other charities are run. Trustees are a valuable resource as they can often bring additional skills and experiences that smaller charities may not be able to recruit for directly. The Mayhew board has professionals from finance, IT, legal, marketing and veterinary sectors supporting the staff team at Mayhew in carrying out our mission.
What would you say to anyone thinking about becoming a trustee?
It is exceptionally rewarding to be a trustee and use your skills for a cause you care about. You need to be willing to give sufficient time to prepare for and attend board and committee meetings (which are often on weekends), support the staff, fundraise, volunteer at events and always champion the wonderful work of the charity.
If you think you have skills to offer Mayhew, whether as a trustee or in one of our many other volunteer roles, visit themayhew. org/volunteering and sign up today. I 11
Overrun with kittens SUMMER 2019
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n March, our Animal Welfare Officers responded to a call by a pet owner who was struggling to cope with the number of cats in his household. As a result, three adult cats were brought in to Mayhew, including sevenmonth-old Papaya and her five kittens, who we named Kiwi, Mandarin, Lychee, Coconut and Cherry. Sadly, cases like this are common in spring and early summer – this time of year is traditionally known as ‘kitten season’ due to the influx of unwanted and stray cats with kittens that are brought in to shelters.
million
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ESTIMATED STRAY CATS IN THE UK
Tiny, helpless newborns
Every kitten that arrives at Mayhew is under the supervision of our amazing staff, but we also rely heavily on a team of dedicated volunteer foster carers to support our work. When kittens first come to us, they receive expert, round-the-clock care in our special kitten block in the cattery. However, many of these kittens will have had minimal human contact prior to their arrival, so we then try to place them with foster carers who are able to spend time with them, getting them used to people and dealing with any additional needs, such as regular bottle feeding for younger kittens.
Cuddles and more
Kittens go through a phase called the ‘socialisation period’ between two and seven weeks of age, during which they learn to accept new relationships and experiences that will shape how 12 I
they react to things later in life. If young kittens have positive contact with people and are handled during this period, then they will form a strong bond with humans and enjoy living as pets. This is where our volunteer foster carers’ help is vital. Socialisation involves a lot more than just cuddles (although cuddling is definitely one of the most enjoyable parts!), it also involves introducing the kittens to the sights, smells and sounds of a home environment and everything that entailseven simple, everyday noises like the washing machine.
Destined to a life on the streets
When a stray or feral female gives birth to a litter, the kittens can quickly become feral themselves if they are not socialised within the first few weeks of life. If they are young enough to be domesticated when they come to us, we will look after them and rehome
When Papaya and her kittens arrived, our reaction was: ‘So it begins!’ During the spring and summer months our kitten block is full, and we also have kittens in foster care.
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Georgina Costi, Cat Welfare Coordinator
them when they are ready. However, older street kittens who have missed that vital socialisation period cannot be domesticated, so they are neutered and returned to where they were found, as part of our Trap, Neuter, Return (TNR) Programme. We work closely with members of the community to ensure that there is always someone to watch out for the cats we cannot take in and rehome.
Hordes of unwanted kittens
Unfortunately, stray and feral cats are a common sight on our streets: there are estimated to be around 9 million strays and 1.5 million feral cats in the UK. In London alone there are thousands of feral cat colonies living in hidden spots across the city. Unneutered cats can breed from just five months old, and one female is capable of producing a feral colony of up to 30 cats in one year.
The vast majority of cats that come to us are unneutered, so we know first-hand how big the problem is. We are here to help with a range of preventative health and welfare initiatives and are members of the London C4 scheme, providing free neutering for eligible cats. We are also currently working with councils to encourage a neutered pet policy in all tenant agreements, in the hope that this will encourage more people to neuter their pets. Not only does neutering prevent unwanted kittens, for which there are not enough homes, it also helps domestic cats to feel more settled and means they are less likely to roam in search of a mate, potentially becoming strays themselves.
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SUMMER 2019
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ONE FEMALE FERAL CAT IS CAPABLE OF PRODUCING UP TO
KITTENS IN ONE YEAR
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An ongoing issue
At the time of going to print, Papaya’s five beautiful kittens are with foster carers and doing really well. Once they are old enough, they will be neutered and ready for their forever home. However, more kittens arrive every week. Our ‘fruit kittens’ were shortly followed by another litter, brought to us by a member of the public and affectionately referred to by our Animal Welfare Officers as the ‘veg kittens’. These little guys were just ten days old when they were found in a shed inside a plastic ‘bag for life’ patterned with peas and are suffering from a number of health issues, but they are being expertly cared for by our Vet Clinic and Cattery staff.
Be part of the solution
Here at Mayhew, we strive to reduce the numbers of unwanted animals and are at the forefront of campaigns to do this. We offer all pet owners free or low-cost neutering for their cats and dogs at our Community Vet Clinic. Call us on 020 8962 8017 or visit themayhew.org/ neutering for more information.
Midnight -
a sick and abandoned kitten
We recently saved Midnight, a tiny kitten whose face and body were infected with the worst case of ringworm we had ever seen. She was too young to have been weaned and was found mewing beneath a car, alone and frightened. Ringworm is highly contagious, which meant Midnight had to stay in our isolation unit for several weeks – a real concern at such a crucial stage in her social development. However, with the love and care of our Vet and Cattery teams we are delighted to say that she made a full recovery and has now found her forever home.
To find out more about our TNR programme, check out themayhew.org/trapneuter-and-return. If you think you may have a feral colony in your area, please call our Animal Welfare Officers on 020 8962 8000. I 15
LOOKING FOR A H SUMMER 2019
Here are just a few of the lovely cats and dogs patiently waiting at Mayhew for their forever home. Could
SIMBA
Male, 10 years 5 months
Likes: Simba enjoys being around people and his favourite thing is cuddling up on someone’s lap. Essentials: If you’re at home for most of the day, Simba is the dog for you. He prefers human company, so would be happiest living in an adult-only home in a semi-rural environment, where he can roam without meeting many other dogs.
Male, 9 years 2 months
Likes: Little, laid-back Dobbie thrives on snuggles and attention – it’s all about affection for this handsome man!
DOBBIE
Essentials: Dobbie will undoubtedly build a very close bond with you and he likes to take on the role of protector. He is looking for an adult-only home to move into.
MYA
Female, 1 year 3 months
Likes: This super-sweet girl gets along with everyone she meets and loves long walks and playing with her toys. Essentials: Mya’s bond with you will be very strong, which means she likes to stay close. If you are at home during the day and are looking for a lively, fun companion, then Mya is your girl.
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HOME you be their pawfect pal?
CHICO Male, 1 years 11 months
Likes: Chico is a bit of a baby, so once he gets to know you, he will happily be scooped up into your arms for lots of love and cuddles.
Essentials: A shy boy at first, Chico would like to live in a quiet home with a safe garden to explore. Once he’s come out of his shell, he’ll be chatting away to you all day long.
Pull out
this pag e in your and display place o f work or scho ol wher e lots o people f c help us an see it and find a h our anim ome for als!
HAMISH
TIMMY
Male, 10 years
Male, 3 years 4 months
Essentials: This big lad can be a bit shy at times, but he loves cuddles, so be prepared for a new snuggly lap-buddy!
Essentials: This easy-going boy enjoys his creature comforts and would love a cosy lap to curl up on after a long day exploring his own garden.
Likes: Handsome Hamish loves cuddles, kisses and affectionate headbutting.
To find out more about these animals and other Mayhew residents waiting for a forever home, please visit us at themayhew.org/adopt or call: 0208 962 8000.
Likes: Timmy likes lots of fuss, but also a relaxing lie-in in his bed.
for dogs, cats and communities I 17
SUMMER 2019
Ask the expert:
Oli Juste
London-based dog trainer and behaviourist Oli Juste passes on some expert tips to help you and your dog have the pawfect summer!
Q.
What is the best way to keep my dog cool on a car journey?
A.
It’s important to pick your travelling time wisely, driving during the cooler parts of the day and keeping the windows open or air con on. If it’s really hot, you could try placing ice packs wrapped in towels on the sides of your dog’s bed. When you are on the road, take regular breaks (ideally in a shady space), giving your dog opportunities to get fresh air, drink some cool water and go to the loo.
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Many people still believe that it’s okay to leave a dog in a car on a warm day if the windows are left open or they’re parked in the shade. But the truth is that this can be a very dangerous situation for a dog, since a car can quickly become as hot as an oven. If you see a dog in distress in a hot car, dial 999.
Q.
Q.
A.
A.
How can I keep my dog occupied during a long train journey? Definitely give your dog a walk a few hours before starting your journey – early enough so they have time to drink some water and go to the loo before stepping on the train, and long enough so they’re ready for their beauty sleep while on board.
If it’s practical, giving your dog all their meals during the trip through a fooddispensing toy such as a Kong is a great way to keep them occupied and will also tire them out a little.
Q.
How do I stop my dog from stealing other people’s picnics?
A.
If your dog can’t resist a picnic, it’s best to keep them on a long lead or to walk in picnic-free areas. Give them a good run in the morning, when there are fewer people around, and an on-lead walk later in the day.
If this is a persistent issue, you could consider some training during the autumn or winter to teach your dog impulse control.
Q.
What are the signs that my dog is uncomfortable or stressed?
A.
Signs of stress can include yawning, lip licking, panting, ‘whale eye’ and shaking, but of course all of these things can also be perfectly normal and should be taken in context. If you’re unsure, I have a helpful video on my YouTube channel.
For more training and behavior tips, head to Oli’s award-winning blog: olijustedogtrainer.co.uk.
What is the best way to help my dog settle into our rented holiday home? Bring their creature comforts with you, such as their crate or favourite bed, and try to keep to some of their usual routine, including mealtimes.
I like to take my dog, Bernard, for a calm walk around the new house, villa or cottage as soon as we arrive, giving him extra time to explore and have a really good sniff. Let your dog find the spot they prefer and put their bed right there – it will reassure them. You know your dog better than anyone, and I bet you can tell the place where they are most likely to want to be.
Oli’s packing checklist for your four-legged pal
P P P
P
P P P P P
Water, food and treats for the journey First-aid kit (including a tic remover) Vaccination records and passport if needed (check vaccinations are in date well ahead of your trip to avoid terrible surprises) Collar with tag and a spare of each (check all details on tags and for your pet’s microchip are up to date, including your mobile number as you won’t be at home) Harness, lead and enough poo bags for your whole time away Seat belt and/or other safety features for travelling in a car Bed and crate Water and food bowls Ball and/or other toys, plus a spare, just in case (our dog Bernard would NEVER forgive us if we forgot his ball!)
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SUMMER 2019
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Spotlight on E NT R N
India
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treet animals can have a challenging life in India: they are at risk of disease and injury, face a lack of food and are subject to indiscriminate breeding. We work to address these issues in India by funding Helping Organisation for People, Environment (HOPE) & Animal Trust’s Animal Birth Control programme, which neuters and vaccinates the country’s free-roaming and community dogs to prevent the spread of rabies and humanely control the population.
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We have been working with HOPE for over 10 years and during that time we’ve seen incredible progress. More than 80,000 dogs have been neutered and vaccinated, and the locals are starting to feel safer and more secure around the strays. A recent dog population survey showed that more than 70% of the dogs in Ranchi city are now neutered and vaccinated, enabling the population to remain stable. In February 2019, HOPE observed World Spay Day and neutered 84 dogs in 48 hours! The team also vaccinates both freeroaming and owned dogs against rabies. Rabies kills approximately 59,000 people worldwide each year, with most fatalities in Asia and Africa – India is a particular hotspot. This figure sadly includes a high number of children. However rabies is 100% preventable, and vaccinating India’s dogs has been proven to be the most effective method of breaking the chain of virus transmission.
The power of education
As well as supporting the Animal Birth Control programme, we fund an Education Officer for HOPE, who visits local communities and schools to raise awareness about rabies, dog-bite prevention, the benefits of neutering for dogs and compassion towards animals. In 2018, 111,097 local people in Ranchi were reached, changing perceptions and behaviours and improving the lives of both dogs and humans.
animal lover who first started out travelling South Asia on foot, speaking to local communities and schools about animal welfare. We talked to him about why HOPE is such a vital influence in Ranchi.
What is the programme at HOPE aiming to achieve?
The plan is to have the dog population in Ranchi 100% controlled. We want to eradicate rabies in the city and achieve the World Health Organisation’s goal of zero human deaths from rabies by 2030. We would like to make Ranchi a model city, showing the positive effects of our Education and Animal Birth Control programmes.
You educated thousands of local people in 2018 – were there any particular highlights?
In 2018, our Education Officer visited a lot of schools and local communities. I think this is making a big difference in helping us to change behaviours and build compassion towards the stray dogs.
Are you seeing a difference in the way local people are interacting with stray dogs?
80,000
Safer, happier communities
A few years ago, people didn’t care so much for the stray dogs. But now, if a stray dog is injured or needs help, people call us. Lots of local people are even adopting the dogs from the streets and coming forward to get them neutered if they’re not already. The compassion towards stray dogs is definitely improving and the local communities are starting to see the benefit of living harmoniously alongside the dogs.
Why is it so important that dogs and humans coexist?
Five minutes with Praveen at HOPE
Praveen Ohal is the CEO and founder of HOPE & Animal Trust. He is a passionate
Free-roaming dog populations that are neutered and vaccinated can live side by side with the human population. The dogs will protect their communities from other dogs – which might be diseased, potentially rabid and not neutered – from coming into their territories.
DOGS HAVE BEEN NEUTERED AND VACCINATED
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Spotlight on India
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First-person account:
volunteering in India
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hotography volunteer Anne Heslop recently visited the team at HOPE & Animal Trust to capture the amazing work they undertake every day. She shares some highlights of her trip with us.
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Dogs are an integral part of India’s culture and their bond with humans is clearly seen on the streets of Ranchi, India. They grace every doorstep and garden, confident of their right to be there - at least until the dog-catching team arrives, when they howl a warning and scatter! It was interesting to document the clever and tactical manoeuvres needed to catch the dogs, and to note that many, once vaccinated, were released immediately, their snipped ear signifying that they had previously been neutered.
In the vet clinic, an efficient system was in place to enable the mammoth task of neutering 40 dogs a day. Technicians carried out their own special area of expertise to prepare the dogs for surgery, then the experienced Mayhew-trained vets completed the task.
Anne Heslop in Ranchi
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Local people are extremely grateful to Mayhew – they told me that their dogs were gentler once neutered, less likely to fight, and now that there was no fear of rabies they were happier for their children to play with the dogs and stroke them.
I was sad to leave the team, but I took with me a huge admiration for the work HOPE tirelessly carries out to reduce and control the dog population, protecting them against rabies and improving the lives of the street dogs. A lasting memory of my trip is sitting in a room surrounded by dogs – 40 to be precise – wondering how I managed to find myself here, given that I used to be frightened of them. I was amazed at how calm, happy and affectionate they were.
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News from Georgia
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It was tough to let her go, but she is with the best family I could imagine. I love receiving updates from them about Arwen and how much fun they are having together.
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Dr Ana
An American home for Arwen
In Tbilisi, Mayhew funds a Trap, Vaccinate, Neuter, Return (TVNR) programme to help manage the large population of dogs living on the streets, neutering and vaccinating them before releasing them back to their territories under the watchful eye of Georgian volunteers. However, in Arwen’s case, with only three legs and needing a lot of aftercare, re-releasing her back to the streets would have put her life at risk.
Georgian vet Dr Ana, who had cared for Arwen through her trauma and long recovery period, set out to find her a loving new home. Ana looked to
her friends and colleagues and enlisted the help of a German shelter that had previously rehomed Georgian dogs in Germany. Within a few weeks, a family had been found – this time in America. Following a lot of correspondence and discussion, it was decided that Arwen would start a new life stateside. Arwen was neutered, fully vaccinated, received flea and worm treatment, and spent time in a foster home making friends with other dogs.
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ou may recall the story of Arwen from the spring issue of Tails: a female street dog who was found stranded on the street after being hit by a car and brought to the Tbilisi Municipal Shelter. Unfortunately, one of Arwen’s legs was so badly injured that our team had to amputate it. She also had a significant amount of soft-tissue damage on her tummy from being dragged along under the car.
As Ana was taking a holiday in the US, she was able to accompany Arwen on the journey to her new family in Ohio, where she is now enjoying life in her forever home, with an enormous garden to explore and even a lake to swim in! After all she has been through, we are delighted that Arwen has found her happily ever after.
Learnings from the USA
While Ana was in the US, Mayhew arranged for her to spend a day with the ASCPA Vet Hospital and mobile clinic in New York City, observing the running of their charitable clinic and mobile spay-and-neuter initiative in action and picking up vital tips and experience to take back to Georgia. “I loved my experience at ASPCA,” says Ana, “and their mobile clinics are something we could consider for the future in Georgia.”
DOGS NEUTERED AND VACCINATED BY OUR TEAM IN GEORGIA SINCE THE START OF OUR TVNR PROGRAMME IN 2015
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SUMMER 2019
The rescues that are giving back Sometimes, though, we get very lucky and dogs come back to Mayhew not because they are in need of our help, but because they are ready to take on a special new role: as a TheraPaws dog.
TheraPaws is Mayhew’s dog-therapy programme, where volunteers and their pets go into care homes, hospitals, workplaces and a whole range of other spaces to provide people with the physical and mental health benefits you get from spending time with animals.
Meet some of our amazing ex-Mayhew dogs who are now spreading the love to others with TheraPaws!
Betsy
Two-year-old Betsy visits Ealing Manor Nursing Home with her owner Jennifer.
“When I adopted Betsy from the Mayhew last year, she had a bit of a tough time with separation anxiety, so she’d come around with me most of the time. She joined me regularly at some voluntary dance sessions I run for elderly residents and went down a storm (and she loved it too!). I thought she could make a great therapy dog – what better organisation to do it through than the charity I adopted her from... the Mayhew!” Jennifer 24 I
Roobarb
Six-year-old Roobarb started visiting Lawnfield House Care Home in 2017 with her owner Claire. “Roobarb meticulously works her way around the room, wagging her tail and sitting with each resident in turn. She now extends this to random people sitting on benches in our local park.” Claire
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It’s great to see so many rescue dogs coming back and applying to be part of the programme. When I ask the new owners why they wanted to join, they always say that their pet has brought so much joy to them that they want to share that joy with people who need it the most.
Niamh Carwood, TheraPaws Coordinator
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rom the minute a dog or cat comes into Mayhew’s care, our teams spring into action and give them the medical attention, training and TLC they need so that they can go home to loving forever families. When we wave them off, we expect (and hope!) that we won’t see them again.
Pi
Irene takes her two-year-old Mayhew rescue Pi to Kingsgate Day Centre.
“Pi loves her job as a TheraPaws dog. She greets her friends at the Kingsgate Centre when they come into the room – she knows they have treats for her!” Irene
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Noodle
Lola
“Noodle has an uncanny knack of steering towards those who seem to have the most need for her, gently nuzzling for their attention and skipping up onto laps and beds. She becomes a catalyst for conversation with a group of people who have often ceased to engage very much; eyes light up and stories of pets of yesteryear often emerge.”
“I don’t think Lola is unique. All TheraPaws dogs are amazing and Lola is just one of them. I think her temperament was what made us think she’d be good for TheraPaws, because she’s so placid and calm and she never barks.”
Eight-year-old Noodle has visited Butterworth Care Home with her owner Deborah for over three years.
Staffie Lola and owner Charlie visited Kenbrook Care Home for three years before she retired at 14 years old.
Charlie
Deborah
Poppy
Little Poppy is one of TheraPaws’ newest recruits and owner Denise will take her on visits to the elderly care ward at the Royal Free Hospital in Hampstead, north-west London
“Poppy loves every dog and every human. Everyone stops to pat her when we go for a walk and people ask if they can take her photo. She hasn’t got a mean bone in her body, and she is very well behaved and very well known in the district. I am looking forward to taking her to the Royal Free Hospital to bring a smile to anyone who is feeling unwell.” Denise
In memory of Jet Ciara
Twelve-year-old Ciara visits Mary Feilding Care Home with her owner Sarah.
“Ciara loves to greet everyone she comes across on our walks, and I thought this would really translate well for her if she was to become a TheraPaws dog. I was not wrong. She adores connecting with each person at the care home we visit. I love seeing the joy she brings and know she too loves the attention!” Sarah
Lola
Adrian adopted eight-year-old Akita Lola from Mayhew in 2018 and the duo have just become a TheraPaws team. “If ever there was a case of ‘do not judge a book by its cover’, Lola is it: a formidable-looking dog with a wonderfully calm, loving nature. From the impression she makes with whoever she meets, I know she will be a great asset and fantastic ambassador for TheraPaws.”
Beautiful Jet had two wonderful years bringing joy to the care home she visited with owner Sarah, before sadly passing away aged 15.
“Jet’s visits to St Vincent’s House Care Home changed her behaviour on a daily basis. Whenever she saw an elderly or disabled person sitting in the park on her walk, she would stand or sit by them and rest her head in their lap for a stroke. She would sit there until I called her away and it made the person in the park very happy!” Sarah
Adrian
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SUMMER 2019
THE TRICKY TICK
protecting your dog this summer
Let’s get straight to the point: ticks are bloodsucking parasites. These small, eggshaped beasties love to feast on animal blood and can be a potential danger to your dog, as well as to you. To help protect you and your pooch as you head out and about this summer, Gillian Rich, our Community Vet Clinic Practice Manager, has put together some helpful advice on tick-bite prevention.
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The best way to stop your dog getting ill from a tick bite is to try and prevent it happening in the first place.
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Ticks tend to be found in woodland, grassland and heath areas, and are more likely in areas with sheep or deer.
Where are ticks found?
Be vigilant
Ticks are found on dogs surprisingly often; in fact, the Big Tick Project in 2016 analysed data and samples collected by vet practices across the UK and found almost a third of dogs checked at random during a visit to a vet were carrying a tick.
What to do if your dog has been bitten by a tick
Ticks tend to be found in woodland, grassland and heath areas, and are more likely in areas with sheep or deer. However, they can also be found in your garden if you live in an area with lots of wildlife. They don’t jump, but drop onto animals or humans brushing past long grass, bushes and low-hanging trees. Although ticks can live all year round, they are in full force during the warmer months, which is also when more people are out walking with their pets.
Tick-bite prevention
The best way to stop your dog getting ill from a tick bite is to try and prevent it happening in the first place. There are a variety of tickprevention products available, and your vet will be able to advise you on the most appropriate one for your dog. You will find that the recommended medicines are usually used for treating other parasites at the same time, such as worms and fleas. Your vet may recommend a tablet or a spot-on, depending on your dog’s lifestyle – a spot-on treatment for a dog that goes for a daily swim might not be ideal! You can protect yourself from tick bites by ensuring that you are well covered when walking in areas where there could be ticks: wear long-sleeved tops and tuck trousers into socks. It is also a good idea to use insect repellent and check your clothes for ticks regularly. If you do find a tick on your clothes, you should brush it off. However, if you think you may have been bitten by a tick, seek advice from your doctor as soon as possible.
Check your dog regularly for ticks and immediately after walking them in areas where ticks can be prolific. You can do this by running your hands all over your dog’s coat. A tick will feel like a small bump and it will be buried deep in the fur, attached to your dog’s skin. Ticks vary in size from about 1mm to 1cm long and they will either be black or white: a black tick is busy starting its feed, a white one will be engorged with blood.
Ticks must be removed by ‘unscrewing’, using a special tick-removal device available from your vet or a pet-supply shop. It is important to unscrew the tick so that its head is not left in the skin. If you think the head has been left in, seek advice from your vet. Ticks can carry a number of very serious diseases that can put your pet’s health in danger, including babesiosis and Lyme disease. Although babesiosis is very rare in the UK, some cases have been diagnosed recently. Symptoms may include depression, pale gums, fever and a swollen abdomen. Lyme disease symptoms may include loss of appetite, fever, swollen painful joints, and lameness. If your dog begins showing symptoms that you believe may be caused by a tick bite, please seek veterinary advice immediately.
What if I’ve been bitten?
If a human gets bitten by a tick, the same advice applies regarding removal. Again, seek advice from your doctor if you think you may have been bitten as some diseases carried by ticks (such as Lyme disease) can be harmful to humans too.
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SUMMER 2019
The incredible journey A true ‘tail’ by cattery volunteer Jody Thompson
For days I kept putting him back outside, only for him to break back in again. If I blocked the cat flap, he’d sit on the roof of my shed all night, howling to be let in. I spent hours ringing round all the animal rescue homes and vets and searching online to see if he’d been reported missing. I really didn’t want a third.
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hree years ago, I was living happily in Kilburn, north-west London, with my two cats, 14-year-old brother and sister Darcy and Eartha. One day, a rather raggedy, fluffy tabby broke in through the magnetic cat flap and announced his presence with loud miaows.
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I started feeding ‘The Interloper’ outside, satisfied he was a stray in desperate need of some TLC (I’d never feed a cat belonging to someone else). However, he didn’t want to be outside and kept breaking in, and soon made himself at home. It was clear my two weren’t happy having a new flatmate – and Darcy had a serious illness called triaditis [a condition where there is inflammatory disease in the liver, pancreas and small intestine], made worse by stress. I couldn’t keep this puss permanently.
I whisked him to my vet, who said he was around two years old, unchipped, very underweight, unneutered and riddled with worms and fleas. He reckoned someone had moved house and abandoned him, poor thing. I decided to call him Loki, after the Norse god of mischief, as he had Norwegian forest cat features and was so very naughty.
My lovely friends Hannah and David leapt at the chance of rehoming Loki, and I was sent regular photos and updates which made my heart swell. However, after a few weeks, a friend of theirs visited and it unsettled Loki. He sprayed all over the apparently unwelcome visitor’s clothes, then
ran off. After three frantic weeks of searching, a poster campaign and ringing round the local cat sanctuaries and vets, a tearful Hannah told me he’d vanished for good.
A few days later, something rather unbelievable happened. While cooking dinner, I suddenly heard miaowing at my open kitchen window – it was Loki! He’d travelled from Brixton to Kilburn, an eight-mile-or-so journey over three weeks, navigating south to north through one of the world’s busiest and most densely populated cities – which meant somehow he’d also crossed the Thames! Did he cross a bridge? Jump on a passing bus? I was gobsmacked. I dashed from the kitchen, opened the back door and gave him a massive cuddle. He was thin but otherwise well, so I gave him a big bowl of tuna, his favourite. But how on earth had Loki got back to me? Did he steer by the stars or some weird sort of catnav? Are scientists on to something with the theory that cats may have a magnetic inner compass? Loki had no visual clues or scent marks to go by, as he’d been taken from my flat to Brixton in the back of a car.
To say Hannah was incredulous when I rang her to say Loki was happily back at mine is an understatement. Before long, she and David had come to pick him up and take him back, and he’s been happily living at home in Brixton ever since.
Cats are a real
MARVEL By Matthew Pearson
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s I listen in, from the kitchen, to Enrique Iglesias’s seminal hit song Hero I think to myself – that’s a blast from the past.
With my curiosity piqued, I walk through to the living room and see that it’s being used to advertise a new collection of superhero films showing on the TV. My cat Poppy looks up from eating her chicken and, as she demolishes and swallows the last morsels in seconds, I wonder to myself about what would happen if the greatest superhero characters had been based on cats.
Now, all the best and most popular superheroes in the comic books either gain their superpowers or are descended from ancient gods. Spider-Man© gets bitten by a radioactive spider, but I wonder what would have happened if Mr Tibbles, the local stray, had eaten said spider instead. I guess that’s one cat that would be hard to ‘Trap, Neuter and Return’! Or what if a moggie had wielded a hammer like Thor©? I know I would probably not withhold their food if that happened… And last but not least, what would it be like if cats ‘Hulk©’ed out’ when they got angry? Green cats that smash is both awesome and scary in equal measures, and I guess no dog would be messing with them in that particular scenario.
So, what sort of cat-based heroes do we get? Black Panther© is very agile, and while he looks darn cool, he depends on the technology of his suit and the plant he eats to give him strength. Cats eating grass? Well, we all know how that ends.
By far the best superhero feline is Streaky©. Belonging to Supergirl©, this cat stumbled across some discarded radioactive material. First of all, that’s just careless cat ownership, but what it created was a superfast, super-smart, flying cat. Miaowzers! Then there is Catwoman©, who wears a catsuit and is a high-grade thief. To me, she is a true cat lady: “I dress like a cat, live with cats and am, actually, the embodiment of ‘cat’!”
I guess we won’t get the cat superhero of our dreams just yet, but as I think of what a hero embodies, I think they are there when you need them and are a shoulder to cry on, someone who keeps you calm. A friend and confidant, and someone who doesn’t judge you for being you.
It then dawns on me that my own cat is all of those things, and as my eyes meet Poppy’s she slowblinks at me and I return the gesture of friendship… and then she vomits up all the chicken she just ate!
Although we can’t promise any cats with superpowers, visit themayhew.org/cats to see our beautiful cats looking for new forever homes. I 29
SUMMER 2019
YOUR LETTERS
We always love to hear how our ex-Mayhew animals are getting on in their new forever homes. Here are some updates our Dog Adoption Officer, Lisa, and Cat Adoption Officer, Matt, have received, along with some wonderful photos!
Auburn and Leo
Hi Matt,
I hope you’re well. I thought you and the team might like to hear how Auburn and Leo are settling in to their fur-ever home.
Koko
Hi Matt,
Tiny
Hi Lisa,
On the 11 January this year, I was lucky to be r ou to ion able dit to adopt this gorgeous Jack Russell terrie ad r Koko is an adorable cross. As soon as my daughter, granddau ghter family. and I saw her we fell in love. sy going personality Her curious and ea r he to g She is very well behaved, although she does her adjustin was very helpful in have a stubborn streak and if she doesn’t one she has y da m Fro . me want ho forever to go a certain way, she stands stock still bed and spends r ou on ing and ep sle been . refuses to move! The solution is to pick her e same room as us the whole day in th r up and carry her for a he lly cia pe es , ys to few paces and then put r he es She really lov her back down. She seems to quite like the made her with we s’ ve ‘ca e th cat d tree an r favourite thing is and when their paths cross they sometimes Ou s. xe bo rd oa cardb greet each other by touching noses. She e her turning her is very to cuddle her and se sweet-natured and often quite amusing . ng rri with her belly and pu high jumping and hopping about like a rabb it. blessing. Adopting her was a Tiny has brought me and my family a lot of joy. Vivian A big thank you to the people at the Mayh ew for the care they gave to Tiny and all the other animals. Christine
As you might expect, Leo took less than an hour to start acting like he owns the place, making himself cosy on every soft surface and playing enthusiastically with all his new toys (such as our charger cables, washing-up sponges, used teabags...).
Auburn, unsurprisingly, took a little longer. She spent a good hour or so hiding under the bed, but is getting braver all the time and has exceeded all our expectations, coming to us for head nuzzles and boops and tentatively experimenting with lap-sitting.
All in all, we are delighted with our new furry friends and we can’t thank you enough for all you guys did for them :-)
Warm regards,
Kate
P.S. We made an Instagram account for them @auburnandleo, if you wanted to watch their progress. The internet can never have enough cat videos!
Hi Lisa,
When we adopted Timmy (was Cesar), we were so eager to give him a happy, settled home. From day one he was quite anxious and understandably nervous. We let him slowly get used to his surroundings and get used to our home. He has given us so much joy and so many laughs. He is very intelligent and loving and we all love him very much. We cannot thank the Mayhew enough for keeping him safe until he found his forever home.
Timmy 30 I
Regards, Mario
To share your updates with us, please get in touch by writing to Mayhew, Trenmar Gardens, Kensal Green, London, NW10 6BJ, or email support@mayhewanimalhome.org.
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