Pet Refuge

“This service is absolutely invaluable, I have no idea what I would have done if I did not have this help. I do not know where I would have turned to.” Gabi take Suki in; giving her the care and affection she needed while she was temporarily separated from her loving family. But as we all know, there’s no place like home – and the reunion was “a wonderful moment”.

What is your role at Mayhew?

I’m a receptionist on the Mayhew main reception, so I do anything from taking calls from people that need to give up their animals, people that want to adopt, or people that want some general advice about all the services we provide. And how long have you been with Mayhew?

Prior to this role I volunteered in the kennels, so I’ve been coming here since 1999 – that’s 24 years with Mayhew!

So, what would a day look like? What do you do when you first come in?

I come in earlier than the start of my shift, grab a cup of tea and settle my dog Molly in – she comes into work with me. And then I pick up any messages that have

I’ll never forget this gentleman who lost his dog; he didn’t realise the dog’s microchip wouldn’t work in the UK. He happened to see the dog on our website and called us up. He came in and he was actually on the floor crying his eyes out with his dog bouncing about and we’re all crying. I get teary eyed talking about it. What other jobs do you get to have moments of pure joy like that?

Do you think there are any particular skills you need to have in your role?

You have to be understanding because none of us are perfect and some of our clients have various stresses such as the cost of living crisis. We are here to educate, assist and inform, without any judgement.

What is one thing you wish people knew about Mayhew and they might not know?

That we are not just here to help the animals, but obviously there’s a person at the end of the lead, a person putting food in the cat bowl. These animals are not there in isolation. So we’re helping the pet owners as well.

At Mayhew we understand and value the deep bond that humans and animals share. If you have your own pet, you will know just how you’d feel at the thought of having to be separated from them, for whatever reason.

Gabi, from Brent, was recently facing this challenging situation. She and her family experienced a sudden and unexpected bereavement and needed to leave the country urgently. On top of their grief, Gabi had another worry – who could they turn to for help to look after her beloved 11-year-old Jack Russell, Suki?

Suki has been part of the family since she was a puppy, and had visited Mayhew for her vaccinations in the past. Feeling desperate, Gabi contacted Mayhew, and found out about Pet Refuge. Through this service, we provide temporary care and shelter for the pets of people facing an unexpected crisis or temporary change to their personal circumstances.

Mayhew was able to help Gabi and

“I have no idea what I would have done, if I did not have this help from Mayhew. It was invaluable and I will be forever grateful”, said Gabi.

For many people facing a personal crisis, Pet Refuge is a lifeline; but we can only offer this service with your ongoing support.

Doggy lolly recipe

Our pets always appreciate a nice treat to help them cool down when it’s hot outside, so here is a refreshing dog ice lolly recipe courtesy of our friends at Edgar & Cooper.

What do you need?

• 1 tin of wet food

• 1 bag of jerky’s, or Dentastix

• Cupcake mould that you can freeze

(Tip: use a silicone mould to easily remove the ice lollies after freezing)

• Tablespoon & fork

• Bowl