Tails | Spring 2020 by mayhewanimalhome

Issue 9 I Spring 2020 I www.themayhew.org

In this issue... A day in the life of our vet nurses Top tips for moving house with your pet Dr Moâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s award-winning work for Mayhew Afghanistan

SPRING 2020

Hello spring!

Welcome to your spring issue of Tails, the first of a brandnew decade!

Front cover photo of Head Nurse Charlotte and patient Max by Pooch & Pineapple.

Read about a typical working day for the veterinary nurses in Mayhew’s Community Vet Clinic on pages 18 and 19.

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: Patricia Benitez, Jess Feehan, Audrey Granger, Sarah Hastelow, Graham Hilling, Alissa Johnson, Marie Clare Macintosh, Pooch & Pineapple, Georgie Wishart, Natassja Yoxall.

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

info@mayhewanimalhome.org 0208 962 8000

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

Company limited by guarantee number: 3837732 2 I

There’s something about this time of year that prompts reflection, whether that’s looking back at past experiences or forward to the adventures ahead. The last ten years have been full of exciting changes and achievements for Mayhew, at home in London and across the globe. We’ve crammed the highlights into a whistle-stop round-up on page 8, so take a look and remember that none of this would have happened without your support.

As for 2020? We’re starting as we mean to go on, with a creative campaign designed to raise awareness of the powerful bond between humans and animals (page 20), which, if you’ve been travelling around London, you may have seen in underground stations. We’ve got some fun events coming up (page 5), new challenges for you to take on (page 6), volunteering opportunities for the cat lovers among you (page 10) and, of course, lots of lovely animals looking for their forever homes (page 16). We can already tell it’s going to be a great year! Finally, you might have noticed that there’s something different about your magazine’s packaging this issue – it’s now made from 100% recyclable plastic! So if your New Year’s resolution was to be a little greener, we’ve got you covered.

A platinum-star thanks!

We’d like to say a big thank you to our wonderful Platinum Business Members – Leivars, Locale Southbank, AKT II and ProtectaPet – for their support. If you are interested in finding out more about the benefits of supporting Mayhew through a Platinum Business Membership, visit themayhew.org/donate/ business-membership.

Contents 04

Mayhew news

Tune in to Oli Juste

Run for #TeamMayhew 2020!

Celebrate good times

Beautiful Barbara, rescued just in time

Looking for a home

Guest chat: Lesley Nicol

A day in the life of our veterinary nurses

Time for Tobi to put his paws up!

2010â&#x20AC;&#x201C;2020: a pawsome decade for Mayhew!

A life, shared

My four-legged friend

Tail high and feeling good!

A helping hand for cats in need

Moving with your pet

Mayhew International

28 29 30

Your letters

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News

SPRING 2020

A bumper Christmas for Mayhew!

e kicked off our celebrations for Christmas 2019 with a fun-filled fair and a star-studded carols evening, raising over ÂŁ11,000 for animals in need!

At the end of November we welcomed over 300 Mayhew supporters through our doors for our Christmas Fair. Guests browsed a variety of stalls, stocking up on gifts and enjoying warming mulled wine and delicious vegan mince pies. There was live music and the chance to say hello to some of our cats and TheraPaws dogs â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the perfect start to the season of goodwill!

A visit from Santa

omedian and Mayhew supporter Alan Carr popped into our Home in Kensal Green just before Christmas to drop off some presents for our dogs and say hello to our hard-working staff. As you can imagine, it was a total hoot! If you fancy a chuckle, check out the video online: mayh.ws/AlanCarrSanta.

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Our Carols at Christmas was held at the beautiful St Giles-in-the-Fields church in Covent Garden. Hosted by actor Danni Menzies, it was a wonderful evening of favourite festive tunes and heart-warming performances. Guests were entertained by singer and actor Danny John-Jules and international soprano Janis Kelly, and treated to readings from world-famous actor of stage and screen Robert Powell and muchloved stage and television star James Bolam. Thank you to everyone who attended these events, and to our sponsors, Natusan and Pedigree Pens.

An evening with Jane Fallon: 22 April 2020

estselling author Jane Fallon will be our guest for an evening in aid of Mayhew on Wednesday 22 April, 7 to 9pm, at the beautiful and historic Burgh House in Hampstead, London. Jane will be discussing her latest book, Queen Bee, and will be answering your questions – including those concerning her Twitter-famous cat Ollie! For more information and to book tickets, visit themayhew.org/events.

Keep an eye on our website for details of our upcoming events: themayhew.org/events. We look forward to seeing you in 2020!

A warm welcome to our new Senior Vet

Mayhew Open Day

ave the date for our Mayhew Open Day on Sunday 3 May 2020. Our annual street party is an action-packed day of music, treats and stalls, plus the opportunity to look around the Home and meet some Mayhew cats up for adoption and our TheraPaws dogs. We look forward to welcoming you!

xperienced vet and clinical director Justin Ainsworth joined Mayhew in September 2019 as our Senior Vet. Justin graduated from the University of Bristol in 2001 and has worked with the RSPCA and PDSA, as well as private-referral veterinary hospitals. He came to Mayhew from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, where he developed his knowledge of and skills in shelter medicine. Justin tells us, “I was drawn to Mayhew for its innovative projects and close links with the local community, which I am keen to help expand.”

To keep up with the latest news from Mayhew, visit themayhew.org/news or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. I 5

SPRING 2020

Run for #TeamMayhew in 2020!

Travel through the heart of London’s East End, crossing 12 rivers and passing through the colourful streets of Hackney Wick and historic Broadway Market while enjoying panoramic views of the Olympic Park.

Date and location: Sunday 5 July, London Registration fee: £25 Fundraising target: £250

SEPT EM B

Duncan Barnard (Royal Parks Half Marathon)

ASICS LONDON 10K

Take part in one of London’s most highprofile running events, threading your way past some of the city’s most iconic landmarks for what promises to be a highlight of any runner’s 2020 calendar.

“Running for my favourite charity

was an honour. I enjoyed promoting Mayhew while raising funds, and I had a wonderful race day.”

VIRGIN SPORT HACKNEY HALF

Date and location: Sunday 17 May, London Registration fee: £25 Fundraising target: £300

Looking for a challenge for 2020? Why not sign up for one of these sporting events and run for Mayhew – every pound you raise will help dogs and cats in need.

GREAT NORTH RUN

Date and location: Sunday 13 September, Newcastle Registration fee: £30 Fundraising target: £300 Secure your place in the world’s biggest half-marathon, now in its 40th year! The race takes place in Newcastle-upon-Tyne and is topped off by a display from the Red Arrows.

OCT OB

For more details about these and other challenge events, visit themayhew.org/events. Alternatively, contact our Events team by email at events@mayhewanimalhome.org or phone on 020 8206 5872 for more information and a free fundraising pack.

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ROYAL PARKS HALF MARATHON

Date and location: Sunday 11 October, London Registration fee: £30 Fundraising target: £300

Run on closed city centre roads through four of London’s eight Royal Parks – Hyde Park, Green Park, St James’s Park and Kensington Gardens – in this stunning half-marathon. This is the capital as you have never seen it before.

Visit runforcharity.com and search ‘Mayhew’ for a full list of challenge events you can participate in to raise funds for us!

Guest chat: Lesley Nicol

e’re delighted that the wonderful actress Lesley Nicol joins us for our ‘Guest chat’ this issue. Animal lover and Mayhew supporter Lesley has enjoyed a hugely diverse career, starring in musicals, theatre and television productions. She is recognised across the world for playing the beloved Mrs Patmore in the hugely successful Downton Abbey.

How did you become involved in animal welfare?

There is an awful injustice in how animals are cruelly treated but have no voice and no choice. When I joined Twitter, I discovered more about animal welfare and began following like-minded people. I’m one of

the UK Ambassadors for a charity called Animals Asia, who I joined after seeing a video online. I also support Medical Detection Dogs, a UK charity that trains dogs to detect early signs of a number of cancers and other diseases, as well as supporting those at risk from conditions such as type 1 diabetes.

How did you first come across Mayhew?

I first attended a Mayhew event a few years ago with my friend the actor Peter Egan and was very impressed! There is a lot of love, skill and hard work happening at Mayhew – it’s amazing! Last year I had a very busy schedule with the Downton Abbey film but was able to attend the opening of the new kennels, which are brilliant and designed to increase the well-being of the dogs. Mayhew is doing incredible work.

Tell us about the animals in your life

We have two dogs: Bertie and Freddie. When we bought Bertie, it was before I was involved at all with animal welfare. We have since rescued Freddie – and now I know better, I will only rescue in the future.

It’s fascinating to live with two dogs that are so different. Bertie has never really had a bad day, and is very happy and slightly entitled! But Freddie, who was pretty traumatised when we got him, never seems to stop being grateful to us. He really doesn’t like going out much, but at home he is full of joy and sticks to us like glue! If I had to pick a glitzy show-business party or a long country walk with my dogs, it would be a walk, no contest!

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SPRING 2020

2010–2020:

a pawsome decade for Mayhew! M

ayhew is a charity with an incredibly rich history. For example, did you know that we were originally founded in 1886 to benefit the lost and starving dogs and cats of London? A lot has changed since then, and the last decade has been especially full of exciting changes and achievements, so join us as we look back.

5,259

THERAPAWS VISITS HAVE BEEN MADE SINCE THE PROGRAMME’S LAUNCH IN 2012.

WE REBRANDED

After celebrating our 130th birthday in 2016, we changed our name from The Mayhew Animal Home to Mayhew, with a new strapline: ‘For dogs, cats and communities’. Mayhew is so much more than an animal shelter, and we wanted to make sure that our name encompassed our proactive community projects and preventative veterinary work.

2,492

CATS HAVE BEEN NEUTERED UNDER OUR TRAP, NEUTER, RETURN (TNR) PROGRAMME.

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WE REBUILT

Your support has meant that we have been able to refurbish some essential areas within our Home: a brand-new veterinary clinic was unveiled by Louis Theroux in 2016; work was completed on our cattery in 2012; and our innovative new kennels opened its doors in 2019. These improvements have meant we’ve been able to help even more animals and pet owners in need.

WE EXPANDED

Our welfare and community work has gone from strength to strength. We have doubled our team of Animal Welfare Officers, who have in turn helped thousands of animals stay with their loving owners, and rescued just as many cats and dogs who had been abandoned or abused. We also introduced our animal therapy programme TheraPaws in 2012 to support those in residential homes, hospitals, hospices and day centres across London.

WE FOUND FOREVER

HOMES

Thousands of dogs and cats (and even a few rabbits!) have been rehomed in the last ten years. At one point our Home was inundated with Staffordshire bull terriers and other bull breeds, but more recently this trend has changed, as more and more members of the public buy ‘designer’ breeds such as French bulldogs or poodle crosses without fully understanding their medical needs and the expense of keeping them.

WE ADVOCATED FOR

WE WON AWARDS

ANIMALS AT HOME…

We have also been lucky enough to be recognised for our work, winning awards such as Petplan and ADCH’s Animal Charity Team of the Year in 2016 and The Good Web Guide’s Charity Website of the Year in 2018. Our Afghanistan Country Director, Dr Abdul Jalil Mohammadzai DVM, has received well-deserved accolades that recognise his dedication and innovative work helping thousands of animals. In 2017 he won Petplan and ADCH’s Special Recognition Award, and in 2018 the Animal Hero Award for the same category, while in 2019 he received a World Rabies Day award in the global (individual) category and was named in the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons honours list.

We’ve continued to fight for improved animal welfare, and in 2016 we celebrated the government’s introduction of compulsory microchipping for dogs. This made a huge impact on the animal welfare community and we hope to see the same for cats soon. We have also been part of important campaigns such as ‘Lucy’s Law’ (fighting for a ban on puppy farms) and ‘Better Deal for Animals’ (ensuring that animals are not forgotten during the Brexit process).

…AND AROUND THE WORLD

Our international teams have made some monumental changes to animal welfare abroad too. In Afghanistan, we convinced Kabul Municipality to stop culling dogs and instead humanely manage the free-roaming dog population through a Trap, Vaccinate, Neuter, Return (TVNR) programme. Our Georgian team facilitated the rescue of three bear cubs and, with your support, relocated them to a bear sanctuary in northern Greece. The teams in Afghanistan and Georgia have benefitted from training by Mayhew, and their skills and knowledge are now being passed on locally when training new vets.

WE GOT A NEW PATRON

In 2019, The Duchess of Sussex chose to become Mayhew’s Patron. The Duchess has long understood the connection between animal and community welfare, and we were delighted to be selected and to work together to help even more animals and people.

10,000 WE’VE HELPED

PETS AND OWNERS STAY TOGETHER.

AND WE COULDN’T HAVE

DONE IT WITHOUT YOU!

None of this could have happened without your help. You’ve supported us in so many ways: in 2017, when our animal ambulance was stolen, you rallied together to help us buy a new one; you’ve volunteered, attended fundraising events, baked cakes and run marathons! It has been a pleasure to meet so many of you at our events, from Tinsel and Tails to Hounds on the Heath, from our Open Day to Carols at Christmas. Thank you from all at Mayhew, and here’s to the next ten years!

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SPRING 2020

A helping hand for cats in need

large number of cats and kittens come through Mayhew’s doors each year, and there are times when our cattery and kitten block are full. Fortunately, we have some truly amazing volunteer cat foster carers on hand to provide a temporary home to some of our cats, and extra attention to those who need it. This invaluable support means we can free up space at Mayhew so we can help even more animals.

Why foster care?

Although we work hard to make sure our cattery is as comfy and homely as possible, some animals don’t cope well in a shelter environment or may benefit from one-to-one care. Our Cattery and Welfare teams work together to decide what is best for each cat on an individual basis.

Going to a foster carer can be more restful for those recuperating from medical treatment, while for cats who display stress-related behaviour, it is useful to see if this improves in a home environment. Nursing queens (mums feeding kittens) also do best in

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foster care since it helps their little ones get used to the sights and noises of a home and grow into happy, sociable cats. Unfortunately, not all kittens get this chance due to a shortage of foster carers who can take on youngsters, so we are always looking for more volunteers.

Foster carers share!

Our cat foster carers do an amazing job! They give a loving home to a cat, providing a more natural, less stressful environment for them while they are under Mayhew’s care. Here some of our fantastic volunteers share their experiences.

100 OVER

MAYHEW CATS WERE CARED FOR BY FOSTER CARERS IN 2019, INCLUDING MORE THAN 50 KITTENS UNDER FOUR MONTHS AND THEIR MUMS.

Mary

“When my lovely cat passed away a few years ago I was devastated. I was missing him dreadfully but didn’t want to get another cat of my own, so my daughter, who had been volunteering for Mayhew, suggested I look into fostering. I spoke to Georgina [Mayhew’s Cat Fostering Coordinator] and was interviewed and home checked.

Paul

“I began fostering for Mayhew in 2015. I had been looking to adopt a cat but was finding it difficult as I don’t have a garden. However, when I saw that Mayhew was looking for cat foster carers, I realised that having no garden was an advantage! [Most foster cats need to stay inside.] I have loved fostering and have met so many different cats with unique personalities. I am currently looking after a mum and her five kittens. They arrived when they were a week old and it has been wonderful to see the kittens grow. The support I have had from Mayhew is wonderful and I would really recommend the experience.”

“Being a foster carer makes a real difference to the lives of some of our cats. It is a rewarding role, but it requires time, patience and commitment.” Georgina Costi, Cat Fostering Coordinator

“Georgina warned me not to get too attached, so I treat this like a job. I’ve looked after five cats, all with very different personalities, for different lengths of time. I wanted to help Mayhew and to help cats and I feel I’ve done exactly that! Mayhew gives me lots of advice and sometimes I have instructions – for example, when my recent foster Hamish needed to lose weight. That was a real challenge as he loved his food!”

Alissa

“My favourite thing about fostering is seeing the cats transform and learn to trust and be loved again. It is hard to say goodbye, but when you see the joy on the adopter’s face and hear how happy the cat is in their new home, it’s the best feeling! I will never forget each of my foster cats. I think they’ve really changed my life for the better, as I hope I have theirs!”

COULD YOU FOSTER FOR MAYHEW?

We really rely on our cat foster carers. Those that sign up to help should be ready to take on the minimum six-month commitment to fostering that we require. Foster carers also play a helpful role in finding the right new owner for their charges, as when prospective adopters visit, they see the cat in a home environment and have the opportunity to ask the foster carer questions. We are currently looking for foster carers for both cats and kittens. There are some requirements for the role, including not owning other pets, having experience of cats, living within the catchment area and being at home for part of the day – you can find full details at themayhew.org/fostering. If you would like to help, you can speak to our Cat Fostering Coordinator by calling Mayhew on 020 8962 8000.

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SPRING 2020

Moving with your pet Y

ouâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve found a new home â&#x20AC;&#x201C; congratulations! We know that planning, packing and the move itself can be a stressful experience for you and your furry friends, so here are our top tips to ensure things go smoothly.

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ONCE YOU’RE IN

mark : Dogs and cats use • Scent scent to mark their territory, so gently

rub your pet’s face with a cotton cloth then dab at strategic points throughout the house to make it smell like home.

slowly : Once you’re • Explore settled, close doors and windows and let your pet out for a little exploration.

present : If possible, spend a • Be few days after the move at home with

IN THE RUN-UP

a plan : Consider boarding • Make your pet at their regular cattery or kennels, or with friends or family, while you move (remember that all vaccinations, flea and worming treatment must be up to date).

travel-ready : Check you • Get have everything you need (car harness

or travel crate, cat carrier, travel bowls, etc). Ask your vet for advice if necessary, particularly if the journey is a long one.

your admin : If using a removal • Do company, make them aware that you’re moving with a pet. Notify your pet insurance provider of the change of address and sign up with a new vet if you’re heading out of the area.

your pet : Choose a room • Prep to pack up early and make it home base for your pet. Feed meals there and kit it out with their bed and toys, plus a litter tray and scratch post for cats. Hold off on washing bedding – the smell will give them a sense of security.

DURING THE MOVE

them in : If you’ve decided • Keep against boarding your pet, shut them in

your chosen room early on move day, with windows closed and a sign on the door for movers and family members to avoid accidental escapes. If you have a kitty that can go outside, you may want to lock the cat flap the night before.

your pet – your presence will help them see the new house as their happy place. Feeding smaller meals more regularly can also reinforce your bond.

to a schedule : Getting • Stick back into a routine will reassure your

pet that everything’s fine – pick a place to feed them and for cats to use the litter tray, and try not to tell them off if accidents happen.

comfort : Feed your pet as • Give normal (but not too close to travelling) and try to set aside some time to stroke or play with them for reassurance. They may benefit from a calming pheromone spray or plug-in (available online or from your vet or local pet store).

safe : Leave moving your pet • Stay until the very last minute. Make sure they

are on their lead or in their crate or carrier before opening the door.

your pet : Unpack your • Prioritise pet’s new home base first! Keep them

secure until a room has been set up with their familiar items and pop that sign back on the door.

“When moving house, always make

plans ahead of time for what will happen to your pets on the move day itself.” Alisa Ford, Deputy Head of Animal Welfare

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SPRING 2020

Letting your pet outside

Our Deputy Head of Animal Welfare Tanya Madden advises waiting at least three weeks before reintroducing your cat to the great outdoors. In the meantime, sprinkle some used litter around the perimeter of your garden to let neighbourhood felines know there’s a newcomer.

When ready, let your cat out in the morning, before they’ve been fed, so there’s an incentive to come back. Allow them to explore at their own pace, then after ten minutes or so shake their treats to call them in for a tasty reward. Gradually increase the length of outings, but save after-dark excursions until they’re confident in their new territory, and be aware of things like fireworks or storms which could disorientate them. There’s no need to keep dogs inside, but make sure your garden is secure and walk them on-lead for the first few weeks.

Staying in the same area?

Cats especially bond strongly with their home turf, so if you’re not moving far there’s a chance they may be tempted to return. It’s less likely with dogs, but not unheard of! Put safeguards in place by giving the new owners or a neighbour your number and asking them to call if your pet comes knocking. If it does happen, don’t panic – simply repeat the previous steps (scent marking, routine, reassurance) to help your pet realise their new home is where they want to be!

Don’t move without a microchip!

Microchipping your pet is the best way to ensure that if they go missing before, during or after the move, you will quickly be reunited. If your pet is already chipped, be sure to update your registered contact details. A collar and tag listing your phone number is a good extra precaution. Mayhew offers low-cost microchipping at our Community Vet Clinic – call 020 8962 8017 or email vetclinic@mayhew animalhome.org to book.

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Beautiful Barbara, rescued just in time

If you follow Mayhew on social media, you may have heard about Barbara, a sweet ginger kitten who was, quite literally, thrown away like rubbish. Last November, a member of the public was shocked to hear a pitiful mewing coming from some nearby wheelie bins. On closer inspection, she found a cat carrier taped up and left out for the bin men – a cat carrier with a tiny, terrified kitten trapped inside. She immediately called Mayhew for help, and our Animal Welfare team advised her to bring the carrier straight to us. On arrival, we discovered Barbara – starving, scared and covered in her own urine. To make matters worse, her collar had been wrapped tightly around her neck and she was slowly suffocating. Unsurprisingly, she was in a considerable amount of distress and pain from being trapped inside such a small space for an unknown length of time with no food or water.

Our vets carefully coaxed Barbara out of her carrier so they could examine her properly. They then managed to remove her collar and wash her, before settling her down in a warm and cosy cabin in our cattery to recover. When she was feeling a little calmer, they proceeded with a full health check and made sure she had not suffered any lasting effects from her ordeal.

Barbara was incredibly lucky that her cries were heard and that we were alerted in time. If she hadn’t been found, she would have been tossed inside a bin lorry, where she may then have been crushed to death or abandoned on a landfill site with no hope of escape. It is thanks to the quick reaction of the member of the public who discovered her

and called Mayhew, and to our supporters who enable us to continue our work helping animals in need, that Barbara was saved. We are delighted to report that this beautiful puss has recuperated well and is now settled in a forever home with a new family who love her a great deal.

We need your help

With your support, we can continue to save animals like Barbara. Make a donation today by completing the form included with this copy of Tails, or online at themayhew.org/donate. Thank you for your support.

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SPRING 2020

LOOKING FO We rehome hundreds of cats and dogs each year. patiently at Mayhew for their forever

OLIVER

Male, 2 years 11 months

Likes: Lovely Oliver is a sensitive sweetheart who will make a loyal companion when he settles into his forever home. He loves to snuggle and roll on his back for belly rubs!

Essentials: Oliver can become stressed and anxious easily, and requires lots of one-to-one attention. He will need an owner with the experience to continue his training and the time to give him daily paw, chin and skin cleaning and regular baths. Oliver needs to live somewhere rural without too many neighbouring pups.

Female, 12 years 2 month

Likes: Beautiful Bowie is a sweet, chatty girl who still has bundles of energy and tons of love to give. This lovely lady likes nothing more than a long walk and a cuddle afterwards â&#x20AC;&#x201C; she thinks she is a lapdog, despite her size! She is very playful and loves a good game of fetch or entertaining herself with one of her many toys!

BOWIE

Essentials: Bowie doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t cope well with being left alone, so would need to live with someone who is around during the day. She can sometimes be a bit grumpy with other dogs so her new home would ideally be rural with lots of long walks on the doorstep.

To find out more about these animals and other Mayhew home, please visit us at themayhew.org/rehome or 16 I

FOR A HOME Here are some of the amazing animals waiting home. Could you be their pawfect pal?

LINDA Female, 4 years 3 months

Likes: Sweet and gentle Linda can be shy at first, but once you have bonded, she will be a loving companion for life. Two of Linda’s favourite things are cuddles and nibbles – this girl loves her food! Essentials: Linda would be happiest as the only pet in a calm, adult-only home where she can get the attention she really needs.

Pull out

this pag e in your and display place o f work or scho o people l where lots of can see it t us find homes o help fo animals r our !

HARRY

OLLIE

Male, 5 years 5 months

Male, 2 years 10 months

Likes: Inquisitive and playful Harry likes a head rub, and if you’re not giving him enough attention, he’ll soon hook you in with one of his big paws.

Essentials: Harry can be a bit boisterous at times so would be best suited to an adult-only home where his new owner can work with him on his behaviour.

residents waiting for a forever call 0208 962 8000.

Likes: Ollie is a charming, strapping chap who enjoys a good fuss and a little head scratch here and there.

Essentials: Ollie needs time to find his paws and regain his confidence, so is looking for an owner he can get to know at his own pace.

for dogs, cats and communities

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SPRING 2020

A day in the life of ou

he role of a Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) is a busy and challenging one, and our skilled nurses have a packed schedule each day, caring for animals and supporting our vets.

As well as helping in consultations and surgery, Mayhew’s vet nurses also run a variety of clinics and are always on hand to advise owners on their pet’s health and well-being. Head Nurse Charlotte Whalley shares a typical day for the vet nurses in our Community Vet Clinic.

12:30pm

We always make sure our hospitalised animals get lots of TLC. Keeping our patients comfortable and entertained is an important part of our job and minimising stress will help to promote recovery.

8am

8:30am

RVN Amy assists the vet as they admit the animals coming in for surgery that day. It is the vet nurses’ job to calculate and prepare the anaesthetic drugs and pain relief injections.

Time for RVN Graham to check on the patients in our hospital ward, administering any medications or treatments and making sure everyone has had their breakfast. Sometimes there is some loud meowing or a bark to let us know they are ready to eat!

1pm

2pm

It’s time for a lunch break after a busy morning and a good chance for RVN Kelly to catch up with Josh from our Kennels team who has some news to share about one of our animals who has been happily rehomed.

Patient Tommy has come in for a Nurse Clinic appointment. RVN Pam clips Tommy’s nails and does a weight check, then gives his owner some advice to help with his weightloss programme.

You can find details of our Community Vet Clinic services, including all of our 18 I

r veterinary nurses 9am

10:30am

12pm

Surgery starts and the first patient is brought in. We prepare the animals for surgery and monitor their vital signs while they are under anaesthetic.

Depending on the rota, while some vet nurses are in theatre, others assist in the vaccination clinics. These are held twice a week on a Thursday and Saturday. RVN Demetra works alongside vet Emily, preparing the vaccines, helping to carry out health checks and making sure each patientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s medical record is kept up to date.

The animals that have had surgery are monitored during their recovery. As they wake up, we offer them some food. Most patients need to be nil by mouth overnight prior to having an anaesthetic so they are often hungry; others need a little more encouragement to eat!

3pm

4pm

5pm

Felix has been neutered today, and has recovered from the anaesthetic and is ready to go home. RVN Kelly goes through aftercare advice with his owner and checks the fit of his cone collar to make sure that he canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t lick his surgical wound.

RVN Graham makes sure that all of the surgical instruments are thoroughly cleaned, air-dried and then sterilised, ready to be used again tomorrow.

RVN Graham checks on the hospitalised patients one last time, then heads home for a well-earned rest. At 7.30pm the vet nurse on late duty will administer any evening medications that are needed before handing over to the night staff, who will keep a close eye on the animals until morning.

Nurse Clinics, on our website: themayhew.org/community-vet-clinic. I 19

A life, shared SPRING 2020

ave you seen Mayhew popping up on the London Underground lately? Over the past decade, Mayhew has offered support and shelter to over 10,000 people and animals experiencing an unexpected or ongoing crisis. Keeping loving owners and their pets together can make a huge difference to the wellbeing of both people and animals – and we want everyone to know that. So we launched our latest awareness campaign on the tube, in newspapers and on social media to spread the message. A crisis could happen to anyone, at any time

Our research with Middlesex University last year revealed that regular interaction with an animal or pet can raise our quality of life by up to 12%. We also surveyed over 1,000 Londoners in 2018 and found that 86% agreed that an animal can be just as much of a companion as a person.

Yet too many pet owners are at risk of being separated from their animals through no fault of their own. It is estimated that a staggering 60% of London renters are only one pay cheque away from losing their home*. With half of private landlords and almost two-thirds of London housing associations not allowing pets**, people and their animals can quickly find themselves in a very uncertain position if forced to find somewhere new to live. And it’s not just housing issues: for people who don’t have anywhere to turn for support, a 20 I

I don’t have much. My life is nothing without him.

I’ve never been too keen on going outside. My legs aren’t all that.

But he’d make me get up, get out. Fresh air did me good.

Without our walks, we’d be lost. Convincing him was never easy. But a few steps out the door, he came alive.

We’d find the best spots, then just watch the world go by and contemplate.

With him, my life is everything. I don’t need much.

relationship breakdown or sudden illness can lead to them having to give up a beloved member of the family. For vulnerable pet owners, we are a lifeline. At Mayhew, we know that a person’s Help us keep their bond inseparable. Find out how at themayhew.org #StayInseparable relationship with their animal is powerful, intimate and reciprocal, and can be the difference between life and death for those in vulnerable situations. That’s why we are so proud to have helped over 10,000 people and animals stay together over the last 10 years.

Helping people to see animal relationships differently

Our circumstances can change in a heartbeat, yet we know from our research that 60% of people think those that have

She was a wonder.

“I was delighted to be

Big on lie-ins, very big on lie-ins.

Loved squirming around under the duvet. Always with the toes.

We’d drift off together, and she’d be there first thing. My alarm.

She made my day, every day. The ones in bed were the best. But every once in a while I’d check the world still existed.

She didn’t seem fussed. Just lay there for hours, nose in another book.

Some called her lazy, others lonely.

She was a wonder.

a pet while in an unstable financial or living situation are irresponsible.

Help us spread the word

To try toFor make people think twice, we are a lifeline. vulnerable pet owners, in partnership with agency McCann Help us keep their bond inseparable. Find out how at themayhew.org Demand, we’ve created a set of poems #StayInseparable Inside this issue of Tails you’ll find a – accompanied by poignant line drawings special postcard featuring one of the by US artist and illustrator Dane Khy – to poems from our campaign. Send this bring the idea of that inseparable bond to to a friend to share our message and life. We hope it will remind people of the inspire them to think about the special animals or animal lovers in their own lives bond they have with their animals. and help them to reflect on how they would You can also head to themayhew. feel if that connection was broken. We’ve org/stayinseparable to watch the also produced a video of one of the poems campaign video and share on social being read by two Mayhew supporters – media using #StayInseparable.. theatre actor Emily Raymond and journalist Louis Theroux – who wanted to help us get this important message out into the world.

asked be the voice of the dog for Mayhew’s campaign. It was a challenge for me as I’ve only ever done voiceover for myself. So this was a leap, taking on the role of someone else, who also happened to be a non-human! But we can all relate to the emotions felt by the animals in this beautiful video: the need for comfort, companionship, and quality of life. And the animation and writing in the film capture this perfectly.

My fervent hope is that the campaign starts a much-needed conversation about the importance of protecting the bond between pets and pet owners from all walks of life. We all deserve to live a life, shared.” Louis Theroux,

journalist and Mayhew supporter * YouGov survey, Shelter (September 2019)

** Richard Lambert, CEO at the National Landlords Association (NLA), MyDeposits (February 2018)

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Mayhew makes great strides in Kabul

he end of 2019 saw some fantastic achievements for Mayhew Afghanistan. In November, we completed the second cycle of our three-year mass canine rabies vaccination programme, with 26,536 dogs vaccinated against rabies across 16 districts of Kabul – 78% of the dog population.

We are pleased to report that there have been no recorded human deaths from the disease in Kabul over the last two years. 22 I

We are also making amazing progress at our new Animal Birth Control (ABC) Centre. In its first six months, ABC Centre vets have neutered just over 4,000 dogs, and local residents are increasingly going to the centre for veterinary advice and information about how to improve their pets’ health and well-being. For example, our team recently helped a puppy who had been vomiting after eating chocolate, putting him on fluids and, once he was ready to go home, explaining to his worried owners that chocolate is poisonous to dogs.

Dr Mo at the helm

Mayhew Afghanistan’s projects in Kabul are spearheaded by our Afghanistan Country Director, Dr Abdul Jalil Mohammadzai DVM (Dr Mo), whose vital and innovative work has

been recognised by several animal welfare bodies around the world.

But Dr Mo doesn’t achieve all this alone; he has recruited just over 70 team members to support him across both projects. The ABC Centre team is made up of eleven vets (most of whom have been trained by Dr Mo), four vet volunteers, six dog catchers, two receptionists and two guards. Through a partnership with Kabul Municipality, the team also includes nine kennel staff who take care of the dogs while they are in the clinic. The vaccination team is made up of four vets, four vet volunteers, two surveyors, one education officer, two drivers and twentyfour dog catchers. They all work extremely hard. The vaccination team begin their day at 5am

IN NOVEMBER 2019, DR MO WAS PRESENTED WITH A WORLD RABIES DAY AWARD IN THE GLOBAL (INDIVIDUAL) CATEGORY FOR HIS WORK IMPLEMENTING OUR MASS CANINE RABIES VACCINATION PROGRAMME! HE RECEIVED VOTES FROM BOTH A PROFESSIONAL PANEL AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC. THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO VOTED FOR HIM.

Meet the ABC Centre’s Kennel Assistant

In September 2019, our ABC Centre took on a new ‘member of staff’, canine Kennel Assistant Gorgi!

Gorgi was originally living as a street dog and was picked up as part of our Trap, Vaccinate, Neuter, Return (TVNR) programme. However, after her operation, Gorgi bonded so well with all the staff that she chose to stay and live on the compound. She now helps the team transport dogs to and from the kennel block and the centre. Her salary package includes cuddles and love!

“I wanted to eliminate rabies and to control the dog population in Kabul city. So far it seems everything is going to plan and we are gradually reaching our targets.” Dr Abdul Jalil Mohammadzai DVM, Afghanistan Country Director

and work six-day weeks to keep the project running. There is also always someone on-site at our ABC Centre to make sure the dogs are well cared for around the clock. Currently, Dr Mo and his teams are working through bitter winter conditions in Kabul. January is the coldest month in Afghanistan, and the teams are no strangers to snow, ice and temperatures well below 0°C. To make sure the dogs are kept warm, the kennel block has been equipped with gas heaters

and double doors which help keep the warmth inside.

Groundbreaking progress

In September 2019, Dr Mo was invited to give a talk at the 3rd Humane Dog Population Management International Conference in Mombasa, Kenya. He spoke about the importance of engaging with local government to change perceptions and control and eliminate rabies in Kabul,

explaining, “With our work, I want to show that culling dogs is not the solution. We can eliminate rabies through vaccination programmes and manage the dog population through neutering.”

Looking forward to 2020, Dr Mo and our Mayhew Afghanistan teams hope to complete the third cycle of our mass canine rabies vaccination programme and reach their target to neuter 10,000 dogs by the end of June. I 23

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Mayhew Georgia

news in brief

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Are you a quiz whizz?

P Over £1,200 raised for Mayhew Georgia

ut your knowledge to the test and join us for a fun evening in aid of Mayhew’s international projects, taking place on Thursday 19 March at The Mason’s Arms, Kensal Green. Book tickets at themayhew. org/events/International-Quiz.

ack in November, we hosted our first-ever event in aid of our work in Georgia at Kensal Rise Library in London. Our guests learned more about our vital work, sampled some world-renowned Georgian wines and met Mayhew supporter and actress Beatie Edney, who hosted the night.

Speaking at the event, Beatie said, “Another reason to love and support Mayhew is that it looks at the bigger picture. It takes animal welfare personally and globally. It helps individual animals and humans (me and my dogs for instance), then looks out further into the local community, providing care for the local feral cat population and veterinary services for homeless pet owners or those with low incomes. Then it looks further still into the wider world with its international work, where spay and neuter programmes are invaluable.” We were delighted to raise over £1,200, which will go towards helping more animals in Georgia. Thank you to everyone who attended the event!

Two new clinics for 2020!

ayhew Georgia will be increasing the number of veterinary clinics in Tbilisi, where our Trap, Vaccinate, Neuter, Return (TVNR) programme is conducted, to respond to demand for neutering of community and street dogs. Welcome to the team VetEx and VetLife – we look forward to working together in Tbilisi.

Dr Ana spends two weeks at Mayhew’s Community Vet Clinic

e were thrilled to have our Georgian vet Dr Ana Metskhvarishvili visit our Community Vet Clinic in London for two weeks in December, where she joined our Vet team to further develop her cat neutering skills. Ana also spent some time observing at a local clinic, Mill Lane Veterinary Surgery, and at one of London’s busy RSPCA hospitals.

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Shop to support Mayhew’s international projects!

id you know that our shop has a selection of great products you can buy to support our work? The newest addition to the family is these fantastic bamboo socks in three cute designs, available in women’s sizes 3–7 for £5.99 each or two for £10. Not only is bamboo naturally super-soft, hypoallergenic and antibacterial, it also absorbs 40% more moisture and is more durable and planet-friendly than cotton! Visit shop.themayhew.org or call 020 8206 5870 to order yours.

Tune in to Oli Juste

ne of our wonderful Ambassadors, dog trainer and behaviourist Oli Juste, has recently launched a podcast series, A Dog’s Best Friend, featuring interviews with a variety of people who are all connected to dogs in some way – fantastic listening for animal lovers everywhere. We spoke to Oli to find out more.

Why did you decide to start a podcast?

We are w with O orking li o n some excitin g new proje for 202 0. Wat cts ch this sp ace!

I have always loved listening to podcasts as I find listening to stories and interviews such a great way to discover new things and relax. Through my work I aim to promote positive reinforcement dog training to as many people as possible. Kindness and effective training is the way forward. More and more people decide to bring a dog into their home every year, and I hope that the podcast can help listeners become even better owners.

What is different about A Dog’s Best Friend?

There are some great dog podcasts out there, but they tend to be either aimed at dog trainers or focused on basic training. I had recently finished filming Channel 4’s Puppy School [in which three of the UK’s leading dog experts coach new owners as they experience the highs and lows of raising a puppy] and knew that I could add something interesting to the mix of podcasts already available. Also, I realised I knew some pretty amazing people – from dog owners to professionals, scientists and even a few celebrities! So I bought a microphone, made a few phone calls, and a few days later Beverley Knight was in my living room talking about her original fear of dogs and her new-found love for her rescue dog Zain! That was my first episode. Now in series two I’m concentrating even more on dog behaviour, as this is what listeners were asking for.

And does Mayhew get a mention?

Yes! I loved interviewing Mayhew CEO Caroline Yates (episode 3) and meeting TheraPaws team Debby Taffler and her dog Noodle (episode 9). In the interview with Caroline I was intrigued to discover how she went from working in the metal trading industry in Russia to becoming the CEO of one of the most innovative animal welfare charities in the world. I’m keen to spread the message about Mayhew since I have been blown away by the breadth of its work and projects, the number of communities being supported and, of course, the amount of dogs and cats being saved every year – and all on a tight budget!

You can listen to Caroline Yates’s interview for A Dog’s Best Friend on Oli’s website: olijustedogtrainer.co.uk.

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E E C L BRATE S E M I T D O O G ed!)

(and raise money for animals in ne

Do you have a big celebration coming up in 2020? A landmark birthday, wedding or another special occasion? This year, ask your friends and loved ones to celebrate your special day by donating to Mayhew. By marking a milestone in your life with a gift to the animals in our care, you will be making a real difference to the work we do.

WAYS TO GIVE

• Organising a big event? Create a JustGiving page online at justgiving.com, where all of your friends and family can add their gift donations and leave you a personal message. Hitting your fundraising target could be an extra cause for celebration on the day! • Alternatively, if you are on social media, set up a Facebook fundraiser (facebook.com/fundraisers). Simply search for ‘Mayhew’, follow the step-by-step instructions and then share with your friends.

• Place a Mayhew collection box at the entrance or on the tables at your event for your guests to drop donations into – perfect to collect loose change (and some notes!).

Request a collection box at themayhew.org/donate, or contact our Fundraising team (details below).

• For more informal gatherings, ask those who express interest in giving a gift to visit themayhew.org/donate and select ‘In celebration of a special occasion’ to really make your year.

“Celebrating 60

fabulous years by raising money because our Mayhew kitties have given us such love.” Mayhew supporter Elizabeth Henson set up a JustGiving page to celebrate her 60th birthday and raised over £1,000 for Mayhew. Thank you, Elizabeth!