Mayhew Magazine Autumn/Winter 2017

Issue 48 | Autumn/Winter 2017

Make your own cat enrichment toys Our new brand Keeping calm at Christmas

www.themayhew.org

Welcome to our first rebranded edition of Mayhew magazine!

We have had a busy few months which included launching our newly rebranded identity (p6) and hosting our Hounds on the Heath event (p4) which saw our supporters get together for our annual Dog Show! This issue is jam-packed with tips on how to keep your four-legged friends stress free over the festive period (p16), a heart-warming ‘pupdate’ from Rascal (p10) and some DIY fun to make feeding toys (p12). Happy reading!

In this edition . . .

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Mayhew news

From Rascal to riches

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

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

Ask the expert: Keep calm at Christmas

Editor: Claire Gratzke, Claire@mayhewanimalhome.org Design: Grade Design, gradedesign.com Many thanks to our contributors and photographers: Alice Hudson, Alissa Johnson, Rowan Williams, Magda Wrzeszcz, Jo Sowry, Ian Morrison, Jo Moolenschot and Rebecca Patel.

Please pass on to a friend and recycle after reading.

Printed on 100% recycled paper Registered charity no. 1077588 Registered in England and Wales Company limited by guarantee no. 3837732 VAT registration number: 820 4030 87

Dates for the diary

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Our future is purple

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Get crafty to de-stress your cat

Lost and found

Your letters

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More than a rescue shelter

Find me a home

World Animal Day Fundraising

My rescue and me

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Mayhew news DIY with our Volunteers

Led by our Deputy Head of Animal Welfare, Tanya Madden, Mayhew recently held a Cat Enrichment Day for our Volunteers.

Enrichment is about ensuring your cat’s environment promotes both physical and mental stimulation, helping to prevent

problems like aggression, depression and anxiety from affecting our feline friends.

Our volunteers enjoyed learning how to make fun cat feeding toys, of which Mayhew cats unanimously approved! Learn how to make yours on page 12.

New Wheels Appeal

A huge thank you to the hundreds of supporters completely electric, making it more energy efficient and saving money in the long-run. who generously donated funds to go towards an urgently-needed new animal ambulance, after our trusty Suzuki Carrier was stolen in July. At the time of print, we’d raised over £5,000, an excellent start to the appeal.

Mayhew has to rely on donations from the public to raise the funds required to replace the stolen vehicle, as, due to its age, our much-loved van was of little value, insurancewise. Mayhew’s CEO, Caroline Yates, said the theft meant fewer sick or injured animals could be rescued for the time being, adding, the Thank you for helping us to get back on our wheels. replacement van would be bigger, safer, and

Your Say

In the last edition of our magazine we included a survey for our supporters to fill out to give us a better understanding of what you think of Mayhew. The results showed the majority of our donors are female and prefer to donate via post. We also had an overwhelming response in those who recognise our International work

Our volunteers showing off their handiwork!

and 75% of our supporters believe that Mayhew is good at explaining how donations are spent.

Of course it also highlighted areas in need of improvement, for example to better explain the roles of our Animal Welfare Officers and Community Clinic, which we will endeavour to do. Thank you to everyone who took part.

Hounds on Heath Raises £7,000

Mayhew’s annual doggy extravaganza, Hounds on the Heath, raised more than £7,000 this year as hundreds of dog lovers and their fourlegged friends converged on Hampstead Heath on 16th July. Poldark star Beatie Edney, actor Peter Egan and TV presenter Danni Menzies were among the famous faces, whilst TV vet Marc Abraham helped with the difficult task of choosing winners for the Dog Show categories which included “Best Looking Boy”, “Most Gorgeous Girl” and “Waggiest Tail”.

The agility course proved popular with the pooches and our new branding was met with a positive reception.

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Hounds on the Heath gets the lick of approval!

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Our Animal Welfare Officers.

for dogs, cats and communities

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Our future is purple

We have changed… but it’s still us!

Mayhew (previously The Mayhew Animal Home) has had a rebranding and so has our magazine.

Our new name is Mayhew and our new strapline is ‘for dogs, cats and communities.’

Our old blue logo is now a purple logo incorporating a dog’s and cat’s tail. This change reinforces our focus on education, preventative work and community engagement, all areas Mayhew has led on for many years and also incorporates those dogs, cats and communities we are helping in the UK and overseas. We believe this new look will get people’s attention and support, so that we can grow and continue doing the vital work that we do.

Caroline says “This is more than just a logo and name change for us. We have also updated our mission and vision, placing our existing human behaviour change activities at the heart of the charity.”

Our animal welfare work involves so much more than being a rescue and rehoming charity with a shelter facility, so it’s important that we create wider awareness about our vital community work in London and our efforts to create sustainable change and better lives for animals and communities where we work abroad in Afghanistan, Georgia, Russia and India.

We are one of the oldest London animal charities, having been at the forefront of We hope you love it just as much as we do! animal welfare for 131 years, so we had to ensure that our new brand embodies the range of innovative work that we do, as well as retaining our recognition and the loyalty and Check out our newly branded trust we have from our supporters.

More than a rescue shelter...

Caroline Yates, our CEO, is proud to have launched our new brand identity which was unveiled at our Hounds on the Heath event in July 2017.

Mayhew is all about preventative work and encouraging people to change their attitudes and behaviours towards animals in a positive way.

Mayhew products in our Christmas catalogue and online at our website: www.themayhew.org/shop

While we still have our rescue and rehoming facility in Kensal Green, our ultimate aim is to stop animals having to come into a rescue centre in the first place, which is why we focus on work in communities and offering free and affordable neutering and preventative veterinary care at our Community Veterinary Clinic. Over many 6

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for dogs, cats and communities

years we have led the way with our successful community projects that work to address the root causes of animal neglect, cruelty, abandonment and overpopulation. Since the year 2000 we have had a team of Animal Welfare Officers who are instrumental in delivering our work. They are out and about in London every day, sometimes in challenging circumstances, to offer advice and support on an ongoing basis to both homeless animals and pet owners in need.

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Mayhew has delivered some ground-breaking initiatives over recent years Working with the homeless and their pets since 2000

Pet Refuge scheme since 2004 – providing temporary foster care for pet owners in crisis

The first charity to introduce a free Bull Breed neutering scheme in 2006 to help reduce the overpopulation of these breed types, reducing the number of unwanted dogs arriving at rescue centres BARK – Brent Action for Responsible K9s initiated in 2006 – the first collaboration of its kind

Trap Neuter Release programme for feral cat colonies in London

Since 2014 our innovative Pick ‘n’ Snip service has helped vulnerable pet owners obtain preventative health and welfare provision for their pets at our Community Veterinary Clinic

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Our animal therapy programme, TheraPaws®, sees more than 60 volunteers and their dogs visit care homes, hospitals and hospices in 11 London boroughs, bringing joy to residents and patients Mayhew has been a participant in the C4 neutering scheme for cats since 2002 Since 2000, we have also worked internationally supporting long-term and sustainable animal welfare, rabies prevention and Trap Vaccinate Neuter Release (TVNR) programmes. We work in Afghanistan, Georgia, Russia and India and provide specialised training to overseas vets who are the key to improving and promoting animal welfare in their own communities

for dogs, cats and communities

Our on-site Community Veterinary Clinic provides free and low-cost preventative veterinary care for all pet owners without restriction on income or where they live

Low-cost vaccination clinics, providing flea and worm treatments, microchipping and Nurse clinics offering microchipping, nail clipping, grooming, and dietary advice

Thank you for your continued support. It’s only because of generous donors like you that we are able continue our work helping thousands of animals in need and pet owners in difficulty 9

From Rascal to riches Despite a dreadful start in life, Rascal, now named Kevin, fought against the odds and thanks to Mayhew is now living his dream life in his loving forever home.

Rascal, now Kevin, settled in his new home.

A sad start

Fighting for his life

At only five weeks old, two tiny terrier brothers, Rascal and Toby were dumped in a box and left for dead.

Rascal when he arrived at Mayhew.

A member of the public found the freezing cold pups and called Mayhew for help. Our Animal Rascal and Toby were so cold, dehydrated and Welfare Officers went straight to find them weak they were given urgent and intensive care and rushed them to the safety of our Home at our Vet Clinic and fed every few hours to to receive the urgent care they needed. build up their strength and fight for their lives.

Our vet team provided immediate emergency The pups were dewormed, given medicated baths, put on IV fluids and antibiotics and relief for the pups and made them feel more wrapped in warm, heated blankets to improve comfortable. It was clear that Rascal and and maintain their body temperature.

Toby were very sick and they had to be kept in isolation away from other dogs. They were Toby was too weak to recover and sadly didn’t both suffering from mange, a parasite living make it through the night. Young animals are inside a dog’s skin, usually affecting dogs like babies and need warmth, care and regular with weakened immune systems. Our vets food otherwise they will deteriorate quickly. also suspected that they could have Parvo Because they had been taken from their mum virus, a highly contagious viral disease that at such an early age, they didn’t have the often affects unvaccinated dogs and can chance to thrive and grow healthily. be fatal.

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Our vet team continued to fight for Rascal’s life and after ten days of intensive care he was able to leave the isolation unit. Thankfully Rascal made a full recovery and he soon started to live up to his name, showing off his energetic personality. Our adoption team soon found him a new home with a loving family, who have renamed him Kevin.

If you are interested in adopting a cat or a dog, please visit us at www.themayhew.org/adopt or call us on 020 8962 8000

Happy ever after

Kevin has settled well into his new home and doesn’t even chase the cats!

His owner, Gina, says “He’s very good, extremely bright and sociable. He’s loved learning tricks like giving paw with my daughter Maisy which he got to show off at Mayhew’s Open Day! He’s a real joy.”

Kevin’s story and happy ending is a perfect reminder of how our hard work is so worthwhile.

We couldn’t do it without your support. for dogs, cats and communities

“Kevin is a real joy”.

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Get crafty to help de-stress your cat

Our volunteers made some fantastic activity feeders, which would make any cat purr with delight. They made stationary puzzle boards where the cat would have to use their paws to push or knock the food to where they want to eat it and also moving feeders, where the cat would have to tip a pot or bash around to get the treats out.

Caring for our feline residents’ mental wellbeing is just as important as caring for their physical wellbeing, and at Mayhew our Cattery staff are always looking at new ways to provide our cats with environmental enrichment and stimulation.

Enrichment is the stimulation of the cat’s brain by its physical and social surroundings, which not only helps the cat to express the most natural behaviour possible, but also helps reduce stress and prevents boredom.

Arriving at a shelter can already be a worrying experience for a cat, and if they’re unable to express their normal behaviour, then this can cause stress and frustration, which can in turn cause the cat to become aggressive or even become ill. This is why it’s so important for us to provide our cats with enrichment – and who better to help us than our wonderful volunteers who give up hours of their time to help care for our animals.

On a moggie de-stressing mission, our Deputy Head of Animal Welfare, Tanya Madden, set up a session with our volunteers to make enrichment activity feeders for our furry residents. Using activity feeders is just one of the ways we provide enrichment to our cats.

The feeders engage them for much longer than using a bowl, keeping them mentally 12

Once they had finished making their feeders, our volunteers took their crafty creations into our Cattery for feeding time to see what our cats thought of it all. With all the munching and purring, it was evident our volunteers’ feeders were a big success!

Our kittens loved the final result.

stimulated and entertained as they try to work out how to get the treats. It’s also a great way for us to feed any overweight cats, as it helps to slow down their feeding and get them moving whilst they eat.

Activity feeders are so simple to make, and you can use most recyclable materials you find around the house, and it was great to get our volunteers involved in making them. We not only wanted to provide our cats with more enrichment, but also give our volunteers the hands-on opportunity to learn more about enrichment and why it’s so important for cats.

Are you ‘feline’ inspired to make your cat an activity feeder? Read our top tips below:

• Make a quick and easy feeder by taking a

toilet roll tube, sealing both ends and putting holes in the tube for the dry food to fall out of as your cat pushes it across the floor.

• If your cat is using an activity feeder for the

first time, try to choose one which is easy for your cat to work out and where they can easily see the food. If they are unable to see the food or work out how the feeder works, their motivation won’t be very high.

• Try spritzing the feeder with a catnip spray.

• Homemade feeders aren’t built to last, so don’t feel disheartened if it doesn’t last forever.

• Cats prefer variety, so it’s a success if your

cat uses the feeder even for a week. If that’s the case, give it a break, and try a different type of feeder.

Our volunteers enjoyed the crafts session.

Though there are many activity feeders you can buy, you can easily make homemade feeders from recycled materials, and Tanya thought that this would be the perfect chance to get our volunteers involved making their own feeders for the cats they help to care for every day.

Ready for the crafty session, our staff and volunteers collected up an array of recycled materials which could be used to create homemade feeders, including toilet roll tubes, egg boxes, cardboard boxes and yoghurt pots.

Our volunteers then gathered at our Home, where Tanya demonstrated the different types of activity feeders which they could make – and then it was time to get creative! www.themayhew.org

for dogs, cats and communities

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Find me a home

To find out more about these animals and other Mayhew residents waiting for a forever home, please visit us at www.themayhew.org/adopt or telephone: 020 8962 8000

Here are just some of the lovely cats and dogs patiently waiting at Mayhew for their forever home.

Cinderella 15 months old (female) Likes: To sit on your lap and lots of fuss.

Essentials: Cinderella needs a home with a garden.

Herbie 5 years, 3 months old (male) Likes: Herbie loves his treats and feather wand toy.

Essentials: He will need a home with people who

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understand cats and without children. He would love a garden and will enjoy some time to get to know you.

Charlotte 7 years old (female) Likes: Charlotte likes to give head bumps and cuddles.

Essentials: She is on a diet, which is going well

and will need to be kept on it in her new home.

She also needs a garden, but still prefers to use a litter tray indoors.

Marley 3 months old (male) Breed: Lurcher Likes: Being active Essentials: Marley is looking for someone who is knowledgeable

Alfie 4 years, 9 months old (male) Likes: Playtime with his ball and the laser pen.

Essentials: Our Vet team performed surgery on his eye to correct a

condition where the eyelashes rub on the eyes. Mayhew can help with treatment if problems arise relating to this.

Otto 12 months old (male) Breed: Bichon crossbreed Likes: Super friendly Otto gets along well with everyone he meets and loves to play.

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for dogs, cats and communities

about dog behaviour with plenty of time on their hands to continue his training and socialisation.

Essentials: Active Otto is looking for an equally active owner.

You can help us rescue more dogs and cats and find them loving homes by making a donation at www.themayhew.org/donate Please pull this out and display it where lots of people will see us!

Tommy 1 year, 1 month old (male) Breed: Terrier mix Likes: Once Tommy knows you he’s quick to show his affectionate side and likes to rest his

head on your lap.

Essentials: He can live with another dog, if it’s a small and calm dog who will give him space to settle in.

Bill 3 months old (male) Breed: Poodle crossbreed Likes: Bill is a typical outgoing and playful pup who’s keen to learn.

Essentials: He’s looking for someone who is

experienced with dogs and has plenty of time on their hands to continue his training and socialisation so that he grows up to be a well behaved adult dog.

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Ask the expert:

Keep calm at Christmas As you unearth the tinsel, decorate the tree and plan a roast dinner to triumph over all others, take a few minutes to familiarise yourself with these timely tips to keep your pet stress-free this Christmas.

Christmas is a time of get-togethers and celebration. Yet the mere thought of hordes of relatives descending upon us can be enough to cause us anxiety, let alone your four-legged friend, who is just as prone to increased levels of stress and upset during the festive period.

Is my pet stressed?

Luckily, Mayhew’s Deputy Head of Animal Watch out for changes in your pet’s behaviour Welfare, Tanya Madden, is on hand to explain which could mean your pet is stressed: how to keep the festive season as stress-free • Hiding more as possible for pets.

• Not wanting to be petted • Going off their food Any change in a pet’s normal routine could • Not as lively, or more lively cause the animal to become anxious, such as a • Attention seeking behaviours change in time of when they are fed or taken • Destructive behaviour like chewing out on walks, but also when the activity levels in the house change. There may be a lot of new What you can do people coming to visit and things will suddenly Even the most sociable of pets can become become a lot noisier. Your pet won’t understand stressed when there is too much going on. why things in the house have changed.

Always make sure they have a safe and quiet place that they can take themselves away to Leading up to the holidays, owners can where there are no guests, and which has become stressed when planning parties, some comfy blankets for them to snuggle finding the right gifts and making sure the down in. Cats also like to have somewhere high house is clean for guests – all of which your pet up they can escape to. Give them space and can pick up on. Changes may have been made allow them to choose if they want to interact to the house, such as moving furniture around with you and your guests. and putting strange objects up to decorate that your pet isn’t allowed to play with. All of Be aware of things that could be toxic to your these things can cause stress in your pet. pet such as fake snow, plants like ivy, mistletoe 16

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and even some real Christmas trees can be mildly toxic to pets.

At Mayhew we see an increase in strays coming through our doors during the festive period due to visitors leaving the door open and the pet slipping out. Microchipped Keep the chocolates out of your pet’s reach!

Hang edible tree decorations high up and if you animals are reunited much quicker with their owners, so make sure you have your pet want to share a bit of your Christmas dinner, chipped and that your details are up-to-date. remember to avoid giving them anything with onions or garlic.

Pheromone diffusers such as Feliway for cats and Adaptil for dogs are available to help them If your pet is likely to play with decorations, feel calmer. These can be used during the holiday keep them out of reach or prevent access to the tree. You could put a guard around the tree period and can be helpful when fireworks are and ensure they aren’t alone in the same room being set off too. During fireworks season you will need to take extra precaution and make as the tree when you go out. sure you are not out walking your dog during this time as he could easily get spooked and Try to keep your pet’s routine as normal as run off. You can play calming music to distract possible. Remember to take your dog out on them from the loud sounds and to soothe his walk at the usual times. Exercise can work wonders for reducing your pet’s stress and going them. There’s even specially designed music for cats and dogs to help reduce anxiety. for a walk can help to calm them as they are temporarily removed from the stressful situation.

We hope these tips help you and your pet this Feed your pet at normal times too. Toys like festive season. We wish everyone a safe and Kongs and chews can keep dogs occupied, stress-free Christmas! while enrichment toys are great for cats.

Barney in our Sensory Garden at Christmas time!

Lost and found A cat who was lost for eight months had an emotional reunion with his worried owner thanks to Mayhew.

His story highlights the importance of having your pet microchipped with up-to-date details.

Pepsi’s story

Two-year-old Pepsi arrived at Mayhew when a member of the public brought him in after she found him living as a stray outside a school in North West London.

As soon as he arrived, Pepsi was settled into a comfy and warm cat cabin by our Cattery Team and was given a thorough health check by our Vet Team. Thankfully, he was in a good condition and was wearing a collar.

Our Animal Welfare Officers were then able to scan Pepsi for a microchip, and found that luckily he had a chip registered to a family.

Our Cat Welfare Coordinator, Georgina Disney, rang the chip company and discovered Pepsi had been missing for eight months and that his family would be looking for him. We were then able to contact them with the good news that Pepsi was safe at Mayhew.

called up every rescue centre to see if he had been found and notified the microchipping company that he was missing, but sadly had no luck.

After being lost for such a long time, Pepsi was finally reunited back with Davinia.

Davinia said: “I was so nervous, overwhelmed and excited to see Pepsi again. My kids missed him so much and it’s great to be able to have him back.”

Since returning home, Pepsi has settled back in wonderfully, it is as though he didn’t go missing at all. “We’re all so pleased, including Pepsi.

He is very content and is getting spoilt.” said Davinia. “Microchipping your pet is so important; if Pepsi hadn’t been microchipped I really don’t think we would have seen him again.”

It’s not known what happened to Pepsi during those eight months, but he must have been scared and alone. Thankfully, he is safe now and is back with his family, where he can be loved again.

Pepsi’s owner, Davinia, couldn’t believe it when she got the call to say Pepsi had been found.

She had last seen her cat back in October 2016 when she went on holiday and had left him Microchipping matters with a friend to take care of him. Unfortunately Pepsi’s story highlights how important it is to he must have got out and become lost. She get your pet microchipped, as it means lost had desperately tried to find Pepsi again, and pets can quickly be reunited with their owners.

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George reuniting Pepsi and Davinia.

Sadly we get hundreds of stray cats and dogs come in to Mayhew every year who haven’t been microchipped, and it’s heart-breaking to think that they could be someone’s missing pet.

Mayhew strongly advises all pet owners to have their animal microchipped to significantly increase the chances of being reunited should the unthinkable happen and your pet is lost or stolen.

It’s also vital to keep details up-to-date on the microchipping database, and to notify the chip company if you change phone numbers, address or if your pet does go missing. for dogs, cats and communities

Microchipping is cheap, harmless and takes seconds. We offer low cost microchipping services at our Community Vet Clinic. Please call 020 8962 8017 or email vetclinic@mayhewanimalhome.org to book an appointment.

Unfortunately, Mayhew sees many pets come in who have been microchipped but don’t have their owners current details registered to the chip, so we are unable to get in contact with the owner.

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Get involved!

This World Animal Day, why not help us raise awareness by showing your support for our work providing care for working animals and education to their owners?

We are celebrating World Animal Day, 4th October 2017, a global event which aims to improve animal welfare standards around the world.

World Animal Day is a day to speak up for animals who have no voice and to improve welfare standards around the world. And that is exactly what we do at Mayhew, both in the UK and internationally.

Our Animal Welfare Officers work in local communities across London to combat animal

abuse and neglect. They work tirelessly to ensure that the cats and dogs reach the safety and care offered by us.

Mayhew is hosting a very special Sponsored Dog Walk on Sunday 8th October 2017 on Hampstead Heath to celebrate World Animal Day, and you can help raise awareness and funds by joining us for the walk by hosting your own World Animal Day event (you could even do both!)

Last year’s WALK was a huge success!

How to fundraise for us • Have a Tea Paw-ty with your friends or

colleagues and ask them to pay what they would normally spend in a coffee shop.

• Host a Bring and Buy sale. Invite friends to

bring things they don’t need anymore and if someone else buys it, the money goes to charity.

• Set up a JustGiving page where friends

and family can sponsor you online. Visit www.justgiving.com/mahome for more information on how to set up your page.

• Ask your employer to offer a ‘matched

funding’ scheme, where they match the total sponsorship that you raise.

• Join us on our challenge events! Whether it’s our Dog Walk for World Animal Day or the London Dog Jog – there’s something for all tastes and abilities! Visit our website’s ‘Events’ section to find out more.

Get ready to support our animals this World Animal Day and all year round! We have a brand new fundraising pack full to the brim with tips, ideas and goodies to help you with your fundraising endeavours.

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for dogs, cats and communities

Our dedicated fundraising team is here to support you in your efforts to fundraise for Mayhew so if you’re thinking of organising your own event or plan to join our Sponsored Walk, please contact us on 0208 206 5872 or email events@mayhewanimalhome.org 21

Dates for the diary 8th October 2017 W.A.L.K… shhh don’t say it in front of the dogs!

Hampstead Heath Band Stand, 11am–4pm

5th December 2017 Tinsel & Tails The Grand Connaught Rooms Holborn, 7pm

Choose between a leisurely 3km stroll or a more challenging 5km walk. Whether you take part with friends, family or just you and your pooch, this is the perfect autumnal walk to support Mayhew and World Animal Day!

London’s only dog friendly, black tie fundraiser, Tinsel & Tails, returns on the 5th December 2017.

Held at The Grand Connaught Rooms, this extra special Christmas event is the most unique and fun way to support the animals at Mayhew over the festive period.

15th October 2017 An Evening for Mayhew International Burgh House, Hampstead, 6.30pm

Guests will be greeted on the red carpet by our incredible TheraPaws dogs, before enjoying the drinks reception in the Balmoral Suite with treats for both pooches and people. Dogs are welcome to join us in The Grand Hall for a three course meal, plus entertainment and auction. All to raise funds for dogs, cats and our work in communities both in London and overseas.

Hosted by actor and animal welfare activist Peter Egan, guests will enjoy entertainment from The Hayward Sisters and a talk from our International Vet Team. There will also be a raffle with fantastic prizes on offer and wines available throughout the evening. All funds raised will go towards our work overseas.

This is a fundraising event like no other and tickets are expected to sell out quickly so head to the website to book yours today! Dog places are limited and will be sold on a first come first serve basis.

26th November 2017 Mayhew Christmas Fair Mayhew, Kensal Green, London, 12pm–4pm This festive season you are invited to a behind-thescenes look at Mayhew at Christmas. Christmas is always a busy time for us so why not join us at our Christmas Fair and help spread the cheer to all our furry friends!

Tickets available at www.themayhew.org/tinsel-tails or by calling 020 8206 5872

“The Mayhew’s Tinsel & Tails event was probably one of the best evenings of my life, I think Kinky would say the same if she could speak! We loved socialising with other dog lovers and felt so inspired by all the rescue animals and supporters.

I’ll be back every year!”

We regularly update our website with new and exciting events too, so keep an eye out at www.themayhew.org/getinvolved

Danni Menzies, A Place in the Sun host

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for dogs, cats and communities

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Your letters

To share your stories, contact us on Facebook, write to Mayhew, Trenmar Gardens, Kensal Green, London, NW10 6BJ or email support@mayhewanimalhome.org

Hewie

Boris

You may recall that he came to us with a heart murmur and cough. He also had very poor muscle structure. His muscles have improved with exercise and regular massage and laser treatment. He has also had several sessions of acupuncture. Unfortunately, his heart condition has progressively got worse; he is on several medications throughout the day.

He still enjoys his food, and, now, very short walks, but loves going out in the dog stroller for longer adventures.

He lies on the cool floor once home. I bought him his own freezer pack and wrap it under his car travel bed, which has helped keep him cooler. He’s coming along nicely with his walking, nearly has the heel command, sits quite often and understands ‘No’, ‘Cross the road’ and ‘Wait’. We start training classes on Saturday, he’s been socialising very well, he plays with his miniature footballs and he’s been to a deli for coffee, had a pub lunch and behaved extremely well. He’s such a lovely chap, and is already much calmer, although I’m enjoying his mad puppy moments!

This is a belated update on Hewie, formerly Willy, whom we have had now for three years.

He settled well, and passed his Bronze Good Citizen test soon after arrival. He has won several rosettes at companion dog shows.

Mocha and Saffron

Aprilia and Ducati

Hope everything is going well at Mayhew!

Kind regards, Shelley

Hema and I wanted to let you know Mocha and Saffron have taken over our house and lives since December 2016. All four of us seem happy enough with this arrangement!

Saffron, Mocha, Hema & Marcus

Here are Aprilia and Ducati formerly Polly and Skibadee who I adopted back in April. They are very playful, incredibly loving and as you can see not shy in front of the camera.

Kind regards, Phil and Carolyn

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for dogs, cats and communities

Thank you all so much for allowing me to adopt Boris. He’s settled in very well already.

We go out for a long morning walk/run/chase at around 7am, so we miss the heat.

Best Karen and Boris

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My rescue and me

First-time dog owners Rebecca and Sunil Patel and their children, Sophie, 18, and George, 14, adopted Staffordshire terrier Olive from Mayhew at the beginning of last year. Sadly, Olive passed away in May 2017, aged nine. In this loving tribute, Rebecca explains how her TheraPaws® dog touched many lives and why she was the perfect first family pooch.

“Our son George was extremely keen for us to get a dog. As we work, a new puppy was out of the question. We knew loads of dogs are routinely abandoned for a variety of reasons, ending up in rescue shelters and in need of loving homes. To us, it was a no-brainer. We decided to adopt an adult rescue dog.

Despite her love of lounging, Olive could be energetic. Every June, our family takes part in a 5km sponsored run. Olive even joined us for that! She also had the cute habit of trying to board any bus that happened to be passing as we strolled by a bus stop during her daily walks.

TheraPaws dog Olive.

George sat down with her in her pen, she lovingly placed her head on his knee. After taking her for a short walk, we knew Olive was the one for us! So we made it official, signing Olive’s adoption forms on the 10th February 2016.

Olive settled into family life fast. Our home became hers. As first-time dog owners, we were delighted to discover what an easy dog Olive was I’d heard of Mayhew, so checked out its website before paying the animal home a visit. to care for. She was cuddly and sweet and ever so pleased when we returned from work and Forms were filled out. Following a short school each day. You’d hear her tail thumping interview we were told to keep an eye on the “Adopt” section of Mayhew’s website and soon like a drum against the sofa a mile off. Other times, she’d be all over us like we’d been gone after, we spotted Olive’s pictures on the site. for days, when we’d only popped out for 20 She had been rescued by Mayhew’s Animal Welfare Officers as she was used for breeding at minutes. We loved to take turns rewarding her a young age before being no longer wanted. We for being such a good girl with her favourite treats – liver cake and boiled chicken. were delighted to read she was suitable for first-time owners and phoned the very same Olive accompanied us almost everywhere. We day to organise to meet her. I’ll admit, I was a little bit wary of Staffies at this point. I’d heard took her on seaside holidays where she adored rolling about in the sand. Olive loved sunbathing they had a reputation for being dangerous. indoors, too. She was an expert at finding all This is simply not the case. But I was ignorant the best spots in the house where the sun when it came to dogs in general, back then! shone in. She’d stretch out in them to relax, an Olive was an extremely gentle dog. As soon as air of utter doggy contentment about her.

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www.themayhew.org

After six months, I got Olive involved in TheraPaws, Mayhew’s animal therapy programme. It sees volunteers and their canine friends visit London care homes, hospitals and hospices. Following an assessment, we began visiting a local care home every fortnight. Most residents looked forward to her visits and Olive was extremely patient and seemed to sense if someone wasn’t so keen to interact. One resident adored Olive and delighted in giving her treats.

Another persisted in calling her by his old dog’s name. Olive didn’t mind! The pleasure she brought the residents was lovely to see.

In November, 2016, Olive was lucky enough to be invited to Mayhew’s Tinsel and Tails fundraiser. It was a red carpet event! A lovely

Have you recently lost a four legged friend? Honour the precious time you spent together and share your fond memories with us. Email support@mayhewanimalhome.org to take part. You may also wish to consider making a donation to Mayhew in memoriam of your beloved pet. Remember, your generosity helps homeless cats and dogs find the “forever families” they need.

for dogs, cats and communities

evening was had by all and Olive behaved impeccably, despite not being very keen on other dogs - and there were a lot of dogs there!

Around this time, busy Olive also paid a visit to Middlesex University with Mayhew’s TheraPaws project manager, Luke Berman, and two other dogs, where she helped promote the benefits of animal therapy.

Sadly, towards the end of April, Olive had a seizure. Tests found she had four brain tumours. She was put on steroids which worked for a short while however with the vet’s advice it was decided it would be best to have Olive put to sleep. She passed away on 8th May 2017. It was a very sad day.

We miss Olive greatly, but cherish the time we had together. She was such an easy first time dog. I believe we were spoilt to have her, and, in turn, she was spoilt by us and showered with affection by all who met her. Many people have told us they would never want to own a dog, but would gladly have had an Olive.”

Olive with Rebecca and son George.

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London’s dog friendly, black tie fundraiser 5 th December 201 7, 7pm Dress code: Black Tie The Grand Connaught Rooms, London WC2B 5DA For tickets and info visit www.themayhew.org/tinsel-tails or email events@mayhewanimalhome.org

Registered Charity No 1077588