The Mayhew - Issue 26

The Mayhew

£1 where sold

The magazine of The Mayhew Animal Home

Issue 26 • Spring 2010

Try Tellington Touch animal therapy Amazing animal recoveries!

Great pet prizes to be won!

An older cat makes for a best friend

Anthony Head interviewed

Leona Lewis shares her love of animals Helping animals and their carers since 1886™

Our Mission

We believe that animals, as living creatures, are entitled to legal protection, moral and ethical consideration and have a value beyond economic measure At The Mayhew we • Take in and care for

unwanted and abused animals and re-home them with responsible, caring owners

• Ensure that no healthy

animal in our care is ever put to sleep

• Prevent unwanted animals through our neutering and outreach programmes

• Promote respect and

compassion for animals through our activities, campaigns and education programmes

The Mayhew Issue 26 • Spring 2010

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The Mayhew’s helpers

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News round-up

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The pleasure of older company – reasons to choose an older cat

Fundraising: Winter round-up Tellington Touch therapy – could your pet benefit?

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Anthony Head interviewed

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Keep The Mayhew in mind – our great advances over the last 12 years

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Fear factor – how The Mayhew helps with animal phobias

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Best Buys – product reviews and a chance to win prizes

The Mayhew Animal Home and Humane Education Centre Trenmar Gardens, Kensal Green, London NW10 6BJ Tel: 0208 969 0178 • Fax: 0208 964 3221 Email: info@mayhewanimalhome.org Website: www.mayhewanimalhome.org

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Dogs in distress – our worse cases have a happy ever after

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Find me a home

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What’s On – upcoming Mayhew events

Part of the team Your letters 5 minutes with Leona Lewis

For fundraising enquiries tel: 0208 968 2446 fax: 0208 969 3902 / email: pr@mayhewanimalhome.org Photographers: Lyndsay Scott, Ashley, Caroline Brown, Polly Hancock. Contributors: Sarah Dickinson, Fran Llewellin, Tracey Lee, Paul Herring and Caroline Yates Design: Fiona Jerome / fiona@deepermedia.co.uk / 020 7385 7499 Print: Velvet Consultancy, 020 7386 6623

Welcome W elcome to the Spring edition 2010 where we bring you a run-down of some of the news and activities from the Home since our last magazine in Autumn.

We’ve certainly got a lot to tell you! For some readers this will be your first ‘The Mayhew’ magazine.

Welcoming new friends to The Mayhew puts a huge smile on all our faces and we hope to maintain a close relationship with every one of our supporters through our correspondence.

We always love hearing from you with any questions or suggestions you have for us here.

The last six months have been busy as always and we have celebrated many adoptions, held successful fundraising events and our veterinary staff have given many interviews regarding the case of a dog who arrived in the most appalling condition which shocked us all. Thankfully, you can read about Hobo’s happy ending and what it took to get him back on his

Sarah with Mon ami, one of our FIV cats, who is looking for a new home

feet on page 24.

A new feature for 2010 is our Mayhew International supplement, which you will have received with this magazine.

Our work abroad encompasses so much in so many countries that we decided it was time for a separate publication for you to read more about the work in-depth – we hope you enjoy it!

This Spring edition is also packed with news of upcoming events we would love you to be involved in and there are lots and lots of competition opportunities to win some fantastic pet products, so check out pages 22 and 23!

In between scribbling down your entries to win some of our goodies and filling in your application forms for our events, you can take a look at page 10 for information and tips about the Tellington Touch method and follow the step by step examples to practise the technique with your own pets at home.

I hope to meet many of you at our Easter Fair and Sponsored Dog Walk & Dog Show (page 35).

Sarah Dickinson

Media and Communications Officer

The Mayhew’s helpers We are very lucky to have such fantastic supporters who deeply care about the animals we look after. Here are some news updates from a range of like-minded animal lovers who turned the activities they enjoy in to a money spinner for The Mayhew and we would like to say a huge thank you

POLICE RAISE POUNDS FOR OUR PUPS!

In October 2009, Animal Welfare Officer, Claire Harper visited the Police Recruits at the Met Police’s Central London Training Centre as they had selected The Mayhew as their charity of the year. Claire gave a talk about the work of the Home and our Animal Welfare Officers and about many of the wonderful dogs we have here. Jacko, one of our kennel residents at the time, a seven month old Staffordshire Bull Terrier, also visited with Claire and was a huge hit with the trainees.

The recruits raised over £400 and bought lots of treats and toys for the dogs in our care by baking cakes and holding a car boot sale.

Roller girls race for gold

On November 21st, the feisty and fabulous London Rockin’ Rollers - an all girl roller derby team – met to do battle with the Birmingham Blitz Dames at London’s infamous York Hall. Oh, and they were raising some money for The Mayhew too!

At every match, the girls pick a charity to raise money for through selling their delectable cupcakes and they raised a fantastic £114 on the night for the Home.

Thank you ladies! www.londonrockinrollers.co.uk

CONCENTRATION GOES A LONG WAY

The canine training club in Greenford, Middlesex raised a tail-wagging £350 for The Mayhew by organising a Sponsored Sit on the 15th and 17th of September 2009.16 dogs took part and depending on their training, were required to sit from 10 seconds, up to one or two minutes. 10 seconds is a terribly long time for any puppy! What a great fundraising idea – and probably not as easy as it sounds! The Greenford Canine Training Club has been a wonderful supporter of The Mayhew and if it is your local club we certainly recommend you check it out! www.GCTC.org.uk

NEWS round up Over 12,000 animals helped in just three and a half years

Mayhew vet carrying out a health check on one of our cattery residents

Since June 2006 The Mayhew has seen over 12,000 animals pass through its doors.

This includes every stray, abandoned and unwanted pet and also any of the cats, dogs or rabbits that have come to the Community Veterinary Clinic onsite at the Animal Home.

We are also particularly proud of our medical statistics. Since Jan 2007, our veterinary clinic has carried out over 4,500 procedures, of which 1,130 were part of our free breed neutering programme. In 2009 alone we carried out 513 bull breed neutering operations free of charge in our Community Veterinary Clinic – and the need and waiting list for this service keeps on growing…

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Fantastic funding A big thank you to the Marchig Animal Welfare Trust for awarding us $20,000 to fund and promote our pioneering neutering ethos and educational programmes. A portion of the funds will go to further develop Mayhew International’s overseas projects (read more in our Mayhew International supplement). Lady Marchig, who runs the Trust, has been a great supporter of The Mayhew for many years, helping

PEACOCK ON PARADE The Mayhew kitten garden has been a temporary home to many an unusual arrival, as readers of The Mayhew will know. In late October last year, a peacock was brought to the Home to become its latest resident, after being found wandering down a busy high street.

Thankfully, a new home was found very soon on a country farm, where this proud peacock can parade with pleasure.

In memory: Imogen Dunn 7.6.79 - 3.12.09 It is with great sadness that we bring the news to supporters that Mayhew volunteer, ImogenDunn, passed away on 3rd December 2009. Imogen was a much valued and loved member of The Mayhew volunteering team.

From 2005, Imogen was actively involved in so many areas of volunteering, in the Cattery and Kennels and helping us raise invaluable funds and awareness for the Home and our us purchase a new animal ambulance among other vital resources.

The Mayhew also received a much-needed £1,000 from the Yorkshire Building Society Charitable Trust, which went towards fitting out the ambulance with bulkhead, removable double cages with adjustable middle panels, a sink and hot water pump, roof air vents and durable, easy-clean linings.

animals. Imogen was so passionate about animal welfare and had two Abyssinian cats, Jude and Quincey. Imogen made a huge contribution to The Mayhew in her time here and she will be very much missed by all the staff and volunteers who worked alongside her.

INFLUX OF POSH PUSSES

At the beginning of 2010 we witnessed a spate of pedigree arrivals, showing that it isn’t just your average moggie that is dumped post-Christmas.

Within one week, Cattery staff found themselves looking after five Persians and one Snow Bengal; an incredibly sought after breed. The Snow Bengal was sadly being kept trapped inside a rabbit cage by her owner which just goes to show that investing financially in an animal alone does not make you a responsible pet owner.

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EVENTS round up The winter months are a busy time for fundraising at the Home and 2009 was no exception!

Thank you to everyone who came and supported us at one of our Christmas events

SANTA 5K RUN If you happened to be in Greenwich Park on 6th December then you may have seen around 2,000 Santas running through the greenery! A fantastic 16 supporters and seven dogs took part to raise money for The Home. Despite lots of rain, wind and mud it was a great day and over £3,000 in sponsorship was raised.

A big thank you to everyone who donned costumes and also to our canine chums that took part!

Mayhew dog Harley taking part in the Santa 5k Run

CHRISTMAS FAIR The annual Mayhew Christmas Fair was held in Lauderdale House in Highgate – a beautiful and very festive backdrop for the event. The Christmas Fair was a celebrated success, and in total it wound up raising over £3,500 for The Home via donations and sales of seasonal food, drink and gifts.

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The Mayhew Christmas Evening We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone to came to our Christmas Evening at St John’s Wood Church on December 10th. It was a magical evening of music and readings from some of our celebrity friends.

Anthony Head, Miranda Richardson, Sue Jameson and Jenny Seagrove all took part in this festive evening and helped us raise a magnificent total of over £9,000!

A new addition to the fundraising fun was a luxury auction. Many generous bidders competed for money-can’t buy prizes such as a day for you and your dog, with trainer Robert Alleyne (from Dog Borstal), a Harry Hill’s TV Burp VIP package and a print by photographer Mary McCartney.

A special thanks to Pedigree Pens for helping sponsor the event.

Miranda Richardson reading from AA Milne

THE MAYHEW CHOIR

The all-new Mayhew Choir had their first public appearance in December at Fenchurch station in London. The choir is made up of volunteers, staff, students and a few four legged helpers. The festive songsters wowed the crowds with their beautiful voices and helped to raise nearly £1,000 for the Home in just two hours!

Upcoming Events We are eagerly planning our much anticipated Sponsored Walk and Dog Show, which is taking place on April 25th on Hampstead Heath in London.

It’s set to be a fantastic day out, with doggy fun, games and show, stalls, competitions and of course the great four mile sponsored walk over the beautiful Heath.

Everyone is welcome and we also love to see some of our happily homed Mayhew dogs there!

The annual Mayhew Open Day will be taking place on July 18th. There will be lots to do – keep updated with details on our website and in upcoming magazines. www.mayhewanimal home.org/events Get down to the Willesden Sports Centre, Donnington Road, on Saturday May 8th, where we will be hosting a sponsored swim: The Big Doggy Paddle! We’re looking for supporters who’re willing to get paddling for pets, whether you can manage 1 or 100 lengths. Event starts at 6.30pm.

Or why not hold your own Big Doggy Paddle in your area? We can help with promo material and sponsorship forms and handy hints on how to get your event off the starting block!

If you are interested in any of our events or organising your own event in aid of The Mayhew, please contact Fran Llewellin at events@mayhewanimalhome.org or call on 0208 968 2445.

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TELLINGTON TOUCH The Tellington Touch technique is a pioneering method of bodywork with animals. It addresses problems such as emotional or physical distress and aggressive or problematic behaviours.

Sarah Fisher trained with Linda TellingtonJones, the founder of the technique, and runs classes and workshops in the UK

Sarah Fisher and Mayhew dog Mikey

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s a supporter of the work of The Mayhew, Sarah came to the Home to run a TTouch class with the staff and QCF students and demonstrate the effects of the beneficial technique on some of our animals.

The TTouch technique compromises of identifying from an animal’s stance and behaviour where tension may be manifesting itself in their body and addressing this with

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a touch technique akin to a light fingertip massage.

Different behavioural, or emotional issues will manifest in various parts of the body meaning attention should be paid to those areas in particular to address the concerning problem. For example, this can be seen by a tense bunch of muscles permanently in the neck or hind quarters. The animal may also have rough patches and flaking skin in places where it is entirely different to the rest of their coat.

An animal's posture influences their behaviour and the physical, mental and emotional balance are inextricably linked. TTouch improves concentration, co-ordination and athletic ability in many animals and is used widely around the world by trainers, pet owners and veterinarians.

While Mikey was in The Mayhew kennels he was able to be paired up with various kennel-mates to keep him company and he bonded exceptionally well with staff and

H: a therapy technique students. However, out of kennels, Mikey would take extreme dislike to other dogs and would start growling. He also became very nervous when meeting new people inside and outside of the Home. He would become anxious and hide or seek protection from staff. As a young, Jack Russell Whippet cross, Mikey had not been socialized well with other dogs and lacked confidence, which was where this defensive behavior was sourced.

Sarah introduced herself and used one of the TTouch props, a light jacket – the ThunderShirt – which is strapped round the dog’s body, permanently making contact with places on the body where anxiety is building up. The TTouch technique is the movement of fingers in a light, circular pattern over the skin in the areas that need to be concentrated on; for Mikey it was around his head, muzzle and chest.

TTouch also works for cats, who often display outward aggression to avoid being touched on certain parts of their body; most commonly the rear legs and tail. Sarah demonstrated that props, such as feathers, soft brushes and mittened gloves, give TTouch practitioners the chance to make contact with an animal and start relieving tension when you are not able to make direct contact.

The intent of the Tellington Touch is to activate the function of the cells and awaken cellular intelligence – a little like ‘turning on the electric lights of the body’.

To read more about the TTouch technique visit Sarah’s website www.tilleyfarm.co.uk or dog owners may wish to purchase her book 100 Ways To Solve Your Dog’s Problems, published by David and Charles PLC

QCF student Eric practising TTouch

TRY IT YOURSELF!

The circular TTouches are the foundation of the TTouch Technique. The fingers or hand actually move the dog’s skin gently in one and a quarter circles, usually in a clockwise direction although some dogs prefer anti clockwise circles. Picture a watch face on your dog’s body and slowly push the skin around the watch face from six, around the clock past six and on to eight. Pause for a moment with your fingers resting gently on the skin, then slowly slide your hand to another part of the dog’s body and repeat the circular movement.

For the lifts, the hand gently lifts and supports the tissue of the body, then slowly releases it to the resting position. This often assists an animal to release muscle tension around a specific joint or body part and the lifts are usually used on legs, shoulders, hindquarters and along the back and neck. They can be combined with the circular TTouches or used on their own.

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Catching u

Anthon

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f you mention Anthony Head to five people in a room, it is pretty much a certainty they will all have a fondness for him, but most likely each one will be a committed fan to one of the very different roles for which he is renowned.

For some he will forever remain the NescafĂŠ Gold Blend man, a coffee aroma conjured up with his very image! For many in their 20s and 30s it will be as fans of professor Rupert Giles, the quintessential English gent in Buffy The Vampire Slayer. For others

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their vote will be firmly given for his role as Prime Minister in Little Britain.

Most recently, Anthony Head could be seen all over the telly box playing Uther Pendragon in the fabulous Merlin on BBC one. But here at The Mayhew, we all know and love him as a supporter of the Home who has helped us out on many occasion, with public appearances and also by taking six of our rescue rabbits in to his own family and building them luxury penthouse accommodation!

p with

n y Head

aware of just how many animals he has at home on his farm in Somerset, but he has always been in awe of our furry friends since when, at a young age, he discovered the large grey hare that lived in the basement of his house and marveled at the mystery of the animal world. He also provides an important voice on issues regarding behavioural problems as an Anthony Head hosting our auction with Sue excuse to justify a throwaway attitude to Jameson at The Mayhew Christmas Evening pets. Anthony’s partner, Sarah Fisher, is an expert in Tellington Touch (see page “I support The Mayhew because you will 10 for our article) and has changed – and take on board anything out there. You are saved – the lives of many animals by simply about the welfare, not just the containment responding to their anxieties and fears and of these animals and you are always looking using the technique to alleviate problematic into ways of making their environment behavior. more comfortable and stimulating to keep Anthony has four Mediterranean pink the animals happy; it is true that a happy donkeys, six horses, six rabbits from The dog is an easier dog to re home. I always say Mayhew who live in Bunningham Palace that The Mayhew is the only rescue home and five dogs. “The dogs are just such that the neighbouring cats want to break in wonderful characters, our Heinz 57 was to!” supposed to be around 12 or 14 years old Many fans of Anthony also may not be when we got her, so we only expected to

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have her with us for a few months but she keeps getting younger by the day!

We also have a wonderful Staffordshire Bull Terrier x English Bull Terrier called Cookie Dough Dynamo, who was due to be put to sleep before my partner Sarah Fisher stepped in.

Cookie just hadn’t learnt any boundaries due to her prior life with unprepared owners, but with Sarah’s training and techniques with positive reward she is simply just the most amazing dog. We had a Lurcher, Archie, who sadly died last year, but every so often the hound in him would just come right out and he would start to howl.

I love that noise! He would start up and then all my other dogs would join in – except Cookie who can’t howl so she just barks!”

Every time we catch up with Anthony he just exudes love for all animals and passionately believes

I LOVE

Here are some of the wonderful with their new owners

Anthony Head at the opening of our new Community Veterinary Clinic in 2007

in giving them a second chance –the very ethos of The Mayhew!

Most recently, Anthony performed a reading at our Christmas Evening and co-hosted the auction, which raised some fantastic funds for the Home and our animals here. He also opened our new Veterinary Clinic renovation in 2007, though he had to compete for a place in the photographs with an exceptionally large and camera-friendly American Bulldog called Sampson!

Thanks again Anthony for all your support. Fans of the animal-loving Mr Head, can catch him at the Old Vic theatre in London in his play, Six Degrees of Separation, until April 3.

MY STAFFIE!

Staffordshire Bull Terriers rehomed by The Mayhew,

“

When I was about 21 my boyfriend said we were going to be looking after his friends Staffiefor a week. I was so amazed at how friendly, obedient and loving the dog was, even though he didn’t really know us. From then on I wanted a Staffie and years later when I met Joe (actor Joe McGann) he happily agreed as he’d previously owned one. Marley (far left) changed my life and I often say she rescued me just as much as I rescued her. Everyone who meets her comments on her obedience and good nature. She is devoted to me with an almost heartbreaking loyalty, she is full of life and vibrant health, she is extremely intelligent and understanding and unbelievably patient with Minnie (left), the miniature Dachshund puppy we rescued recently.

Tamzin and Joe McGann

”

TOP: Marley, adopted by the McGanns RIGHT: Lydia King and Hazel LEFT: Rudi, adopted by the Hall Family ABOVE: Chandler, adopted by the Luth Family

WIN A PERSONALISED PET BLANKET!

Answer the following question to win your own personalised blanket for your cat, or dog courtesy of FunkyPaws: “For which breed of dog does The Mayhew provide free neutering in our Community Veterinary Clinic?”

Send answers to Sarah Dickinson sarah@ mayhewanimalhome.org If you are looking for something a little more personal for your furry friend, the personalised blankets from Funky Paws are the perfect gift for your cat or dog.

Available in a range of colours and sizes, you can have names, dates and slogans embroidered free of charge. New additions to the range will include personalised towels for muddy paws and personalised dog coats.

Remember: if your pet had pocket money, they would shop at Funkypaws! www.funkypaws.co.uk

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Keeping The May Many of the advancements we have made in the last 12 years are thanks to those who have thought of us in their Wills

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f you have an existing Will, it could cost you nothing today to amend it to include The Mayhew Animal Home. And if you haven’t written one yet, it will cost you no more to add a gift to The Mayhew Animal Home into your wishes, when you do.

The gifts we receive in Wills not only help us with our dayto-day work, implement new projects and renovate or repair the facilities at the Home. The generous legacies have enabled us to entirely rebuild parts of our kennel blocks, our cattery section and also our veterinary clinic.

Here are a few of the projects we have been able to take forwards thanks to generous gifts in Wills.

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CAT CABIN RENOVATION 1998–1999

The cabins in our cattery are revolutionary. There are no bars and the cats have a spacious, light environment in which to rest and

play. The cabins have two tiers separated by a cat-sized staircase.

The upstairs level enclosed by a thick UPVC windowed door, to keep heat in and a personal radiator for the winter. The doors can be opened up for a cool breeze in the summer. We have lots of toys and climbing posts in each cabin. There is a play area in the centre, where our cats can spend time having fun and socialising.

KENNEL BLOCK RENOVATION 2001 & 2004 Our kennels are not how you would picture a kennels to be. They have been especially designed by animal care specialists to minimize the stress the dogs face whilst they are in our care. They have solid wood walls, rather than bars, which enable the dogs to remain calm and restful.

They have a dual UPVC door entry system to each room, with thick tinted glass on the external door to minimize the exposure to stressful external factors such as other dogs and animal care staff passing by. They are spacious and designed to ensure easy cleaning, which results in a much more healing environment – we even

play classical music in this tranquil area which has a calming effect on the dogs.

Our kennel environment amazes all who visit it. It is so quiet as all the dogs are so calm, which can only ease their recovery with us.

If you want to view the impressive facilities you can click on the web cams on our website www.mayhewanimalhome.org

yhew in mind COMMUNITY VETERINARY CLINIC ENHANCEMENTS 2007 Money left to The Mayhew through gifts in Wills meant that we were able to renovate our veterinary facilities, meaning pretty much everything was brand new with a dedicated preparation room, scrub sink and dental table. A pharmacy was built and separate dog and cat wards for pre and post op care and to minimize stress. An additional clinic reception area was built with cat and dog entrances and two individual consulting rooms to allow an increase in trafďŹ c for our low cost vaccination clinics and with one including digital x-ray equipment, which has proved invaluable.

It is generous funds left in Wills that means we can continue to help animals with veterinary treatment, no matter how long it takes (see Hobo and Catherine’s story on page 24).

PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE We have many exciting projects we would like to take forwards including expanding our educational work, adding extra resources to our veterinary clinic and refurbishing our isolation and rabbit area. If you would like to help make these things possible, please consider leaving us a gift in your Will. To make the process as easy as possible, we have created a Mayhew Codicil (or appendix) which you can send to your solicitor to add into your wishes to an existing Will. This simple form is available to download from our website at www.mayhewanimalhome. org/donateinyourwill or you can call Sue Barrett on 020 8968 2446 to request one. Let your love for animals live on.

If you decide to leave us a gift in your Will and would like to tell us about it, please do: Name Address

Email I have already included The Mayhew in my Will I am going to include The Mayhew in my Will as a result of this article I will consider leaving The Mayhew in my Will Please send me more information on leaving a gift to The Mayhew in my Will

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The pleasure of Mayhew supporter and cat lover, Madeleine Orchard, has always welcomed older felines to share her life and so when her much loved puss, Smidgen, died, she visited The Mayhew to give some of our older felines a second chance in a happy home

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wo elderly girls of 12 needed to be rehomed as a pair and had sadly been at the Home for nearly six months, despite their beautiful looks. When we met them they were a little nervous but very friendly and purry, so much so they completely won us over. The poor things were frightened at first and lived in our bookcase for two days, shunning their lovely new cat beds! With encouragement, they ventured out more and within a week they were all over us; purring, affectionate and happy. I’ll never forget the first time we saw them chasing each other around, it was brilliant.

Mugwai is wonderfully bossy but lives for love and tummy rubs; she has never once scratched or hissed at us. Pickle used to be more mischievous and liked to lie on the ironing board or in the sink and swipe at you when you walked past! Sadly Pickle died aged 15 of kidney failure. We were very worried about how Mugwai would cope as they had been inseparable, but after a brief period of depression when she would cry and look under furniture for Pickle, she recovered and is an adorable puss of 18.

I would say to people considering adoption to seriously think about an oldie. They love affection and will sit on your knee all evening. They will enrich your life when their individual, eccentric characters emerge. Please give a pensioner puss the home they so need and deserve.

ABOVE: Pickle THIS PICTURE: Mugwai

If you are interested in adopting a cat from us, please contact Lucy on 020 8968 2350 or email lucy@mayhewanimalhome.org

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older company LULU’S STORY

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by adopter Helen Haden

Pickle used to be more mischievous and liked to lie on the ironing board

ast summer a good friend of mine was considering adopting two kittens and asked if I would go with her to The Mayhew. I felt safe from temptation in the secure knowledge that I had two beautiful cats of my own at home. I had no idea that I would meet Lulu or that I would fall under her spell.

I was heartbroken to learn that Lulu had been brought to The Mayhew by a woman who said she was 19 years old, incontinent and should be put to sleep. The Mayhew vet who examined her could find nothing wrong, thought she was around 10, and refused to do it. At that, the woman abandoned her.

I was absolutely captivated and couldn’t stop thinking about her. After a week I could stand it no longer and went back to adopt her.

Lulu is affectionate, feisty, energetic, entertaining and still thinks she’s a kitten It’s all about personality. My advice to anyone thinking about adopting an older cat is, don’t think about it. Just do it!

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Fear factor The Mayhew’s Animal Welfare Officers regularly work with children to help them get over their fear of animals

“Some people have an inherent fear of animals, but may have never had a terrifying experience.”

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here are many people in the UK who have an inherent fear of dogs, and indeed a variety of other animals, but may have never been attacked or suffered a notable terrifying experience.

For some people the fear just exists and in a busy capital city like London the chances are high you will pass a dog

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often on a daily basis and for some this can be debilitating.

When The Mayhew was approached in early 2008 by police to assist with the case of a six year old girl who had been badly attacked by a dog, Animal Welfare Officers (AWOs) at the Home were keen to help in any way they could.

Previously The Mayhew had received enquiries about assistance with animal phobias and had been interested to develop a

further initiative as part of the Community Animal Care programmes.

Six year old Chanelle Sommerville had been attacked on a public footpath in an incident that had left her scarred and terrified. The Mayhew works with the Met Police as part of Brent borough action for responsible K9’s (BARK) and it was the ideal opportunity for the collaboration to act to help

ease the trauma of what Chanelle had been through.

Chanelle came to the Home and met several of dogs in an environment where she felt safe and the positive experience set her on the road to overcoming a fear of all dogs.

A clinical psychologist, who approached the Home for help with a client, worked with our AWOs, advising them how human fear works and how to understand the behavioural patterns and the varying scale of animal phobias people can possess.

Our Animal Welfare Officers began to respond to more enquiries and assist other people in a programme to help them tackle their phobias at their own pace.

Our AWOs already visit schools, college and host talks about Dog Safety as part of their educational programmes so are able to discuss with people possessing a canine phobia about what they feel comfortable with in terms of interaction with animals and also running through the safest way to act around any dogs you may meet.

The Mayhew AWOs will work with people at the Home to establish their scale of fear in order to move at the right pace. Chanelle was able to meet several dogs when visiting after her ordeal, but some may only be able to look at a photograph of a dog at first, or sit in proximity to hear the dogs barking in The Mayhew kennels.

Andrea going on a walk with Mayhew Animal Welfare OfďŹ cer Carly Jack

As the sessions build up, people on site are able to spend time in our spacious dog exercise area and be present with dogs on lead in close company and may build up to stroking, interacting and even walking with some of the dogs.

Andrea Kazamias is 14 years old and although there has never been a particular incident in her life that has made her dog-phobic, she has always been afraid of all animals, especially dogs and it was starting to effect her

daily life. She was unable to go to some people’s houses if they had a pet dog, or even to go the park with her friends.

The psychologist working with Andrea felt that she needed to spend time with animals to be able to fully get over her fear.

Andrea has been visiting The Mayhew for seven months, coming every couple of weeks and has worked with Animal Welfare Officer, Carly Jack, to build up her interaction with dogs at a stage where she feels comfortable.

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Best buys!

At The Mayhew events, we are often approached by our supporters looking for advice and information on the latest pet accessories, treats and products. In response to this demand, we are now sharing our recommendations with you.We are also giving you the opportunity to win some of these fabulous products as prizes by answering some questions. All answers can be found on pages within this magazine

LILY’S KITCHEN ORGANIC CHEESE AND APPLE TREATS Lily’s Kitchen is renowned for creating ‘proper pet food’, made from humangrade ingredients, cooked in small batches, with an assortment of carefully selected herbal ingredients, the brand has used these same principles to create an exciting new snack for dogs – their Organic Cheese and Apple Treats!

These snacks are tail-waggingly scrumptious and when your canine chum deserves that tasty treat, there can be none better than these wholesome titbits.

To check out the Have you ever wondered what your pooch is thinking when full range they are snoozing and their paws start to twitch and they of Lily’s make a mini gggrrr woof! Perhaps they are chasing a Kitchen pet squirrel or how about this, they are trying to catch their food range very own Funky Mutts collar to wear, gggrrr woof, yes for cats and please! Funky Mutts handmade collars and accessories are dogs, visit extremely popular at our Mayhew events. With individual www.lilys patterns your dog will be the envy of all others in the park!

To take a look at the range visit www.funkymutts.co.uk kitchen.

2 TO BE WON

FUNKY MUTTS COLLAR SET

Tell us “Which unusual bird arrived at The Mayhew in October 2009?” to win a funky collar. Answers and size of the collar to sarah@mayhewanimalhome.org Sizes: Floral 10–15” small and Polka Dot 18–22” large

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PAW PLUNGER UK Cleaning a paw in Paw Plunger allows you to eliminate any dirt, grit, sand, even ice and snow to ensure a clean, sparkling and healthy paw all year round. Even ingrained mud is no match for Paw Plunger as its gentle brushes get into every nook and cranny of your pet’s paw.

Fill the Plunger up with water and a doggy shampoo if you fancy and dip those paws for squeaky clean

WIN!

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To win a Paw Plunger tell us: “What is the name of the longest canine resident in The Mayhew kennels?”

Answers and the size of the Paw Plunger (s/m/l) you would like to sarah@mayhewanimalhome.org

SPARKIPUSS LUXURY ORGANIC CATNIP

results! Just add some medicated wash or antiseptic to the mug and give feet a gentle soothing soak to treat even the most persistent foot problems To order visit www.pawplunger.co.uk or call 0800 612 8991

10 TO BE WON

Ethically made in the UK and filled with potent dried certified organic catnip, sparkipuss luxury organic catnip cushions are a must for catnip loving cats and kittens! Tried and tested with Mayhew cats, these products really are a feline favourite! Available in the cute animal-print velvety fabrics, these cushions are refillable and washable, and make a purrrrfect gift for your cat or a friend.

To look at the Sparkipuss range and order visit www.sparkipuss.com for a cat or animal charity? Trade enquiries welcome!

We have 10 fabulous cat nip cushions to give away, just answer the following question: “Which famous friends of The Mayhew took part in our Christmas Evening 2009?”

Please send your answers to sarah@mayhewanimalhome.org

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Dogs in distress Within the space of only a couple of months at the end of last year, The Mayhew staff found themselves caring for two very different dogs, what they sadly had in common was that they had both suffered at the hands of uncaring and cruel owners

B

oth Hobo’s and Catherine’s stories begin in the saddest circumstances, but thankfully we can bring you news of a happy ending.

In December, an eight year-old rough collie dog was brought to The Mayhew. Both of the dog’s front legs were tightly bound with parcel tape and our night staff realised that the smell coming from the taped-up limbs meant the legs had become severely infected.

The Mayhew veterinary team immediately sedated the dog and removed the layers of parcel tape. Underneath the tape were additional layers of bandages, tea towels and socks wrapped around the legs. Skin and flesh on both the legs had begun to die and rot away as a result of being taped up for many weeks.

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Staff, who named the dog Hobo, thought the gangrenous condition of his legs and the pain it caused, may have been caused by an owner attempting to wrap the legs up to remedy a slight health condition.The Mayhew veterinary team have been unable to understand why anyone would tape up an animal’s legs in this way and cannot comprehend how the owner could not realise the cruelty they were inflicting and the suffering they were causing.

Mayhew vets put Hobo on daily pain relief, anti-biotics and changed his bandages daily to monitor recovery. Still they could not be sure that both of the front legs could be saved.

While monitoring, staff made sure that Hobo received lots of TLC, and when he was strong enough his bandages were covered and he was able to go for small walks round The Mayhew garden.

After weeks of medication, a specialist recovery diet and lots of love, Hobo made an incredible recovery and no longer needed the bandages, growing from strength to strength.

All Mayhew staff were thrilled when a family arrived with an older female collie and decided to give Hobo his second chance at happiness and a forever home in the country.

“Snoops and Hobo are getting along just great and he is a lovely happy chappy. Thank you once again for all the work and time you put in, he has come a very long way.”

– Adopter Tash Scully

RIGHT: Catherine’s emaciated body when she was first bought into The Mayhew BELOW: Catherine now

A

second dog that Mayhew staff and spin, constantly chasing her own tail. have also been caring for around This kind of behavior is often an indicator of the clock, is Catherine, a little when an animal has been left on their own Staffordshire Bull Terrier, who was for a long period in a confined space with no brought to the Home as a stray, stimulus, causing anxiety and distress. severely emaciated and terrified.

As Catherine grew in strength, she bonded Each rib was protruding from her sides, really well with staff and loved going out her hips and spine sharply jutted out and on walks. The Mayhew is lucky to have a the full frame of her skeleton could be network of supportive foster carers, who clearly seen. Staffordshire are invaluable to help The Mayhew is lucky animals like Catherine grow Bull Terriers are a naturally rotund breed, in confidence. Spending to have supportive so for Catherine to be time in a foster home foster carers to help this severely underweight meant Catherine could get animals like Catherine constant one-to-one care meant she had not been fed properly for a very long and there was be someone time. around to distract her if she started her This gentle, three-year-old girl, was put spinning behavior. After a few months in a on a recovery diet of six small feeds a foster home, her spinning had practically day and staff made sure to visit her in her stopped and she has turned into a happy, kennels for one-to-one interaction as it was healthy young dog who is gentle and friendly apparent that Catherine has suffered not with strangers, even after all she has been only physical but mental distress. If left through. Catherine has now been adopted alone too long, this frail dog would circle by a loving family.

The Mayhew is committed to give every animal a second chance, even if it takes months and thousands of pounds for them to get fully back to health, both mentally and physically. Hobo and Catherine were lucky that they ended up in our care and can now go on to live happier, fuller, pain-free lives going forwards – please continue to support us and help us be there for more animals in need.

We thank you all for your ongoing support • www.mayhewanimalhome.org • 0208 968 2446

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Find me a home Featured on this page are a few of our present residents. All of them have been with us for some time and desperately need a home of their own. They each have their own delightful quirks and may need more understanding than others

Nicole Nicole is a wonderfully affectionate eighteen month boxer cross who had been turned out to on to the streets before finding her way to us. She hasn’t had much training and is full of beans but her real eagerness to please and fondness in food means that she learns quickly and a new owner would need to keep up the training but would see great results!

Nicole can be shy around strangers and once she bonds with someone she can become protective so again a training routine is needed. Although she loves to snuggle for cuddles, Nicole is no couch potato, so her active new guardians will have to accept her natural high spirits, though once settled with a minimum of one to two hours exercise daily. She is good with other dogs but does need further socialisation so adoption as an only pet in the family is the best option for this gorgeous girl.

Derik

Cleo

Cleo is a stunning ten year old Snow Bengal and is one of the cuddliest cats you will ever meet! She just adores affection and cuddles and is a chatty and confident cat who is certainly more like a kitten at times! As she just loves attention so much it would be ideal for her new owner to be around for much of the day. She is also very inquisitive, so a garden or roof terrace for her to explore is a must.

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Derik arrived as a stray at The Mayhew and has become a firm favorite with kennel staff due to his affable and gentle nature. He is very sociable and could happily live in a household with another dog, as he’s very adaptable and easy to get on with, but no cats please!

Derik is a seven-year-old German Shepherd, who is house trained and eager to please and deserves someone who can show him the affection this gentle giant deserves. All he needs is plenty of love and some nice long walks – at least an hour off lead every day.

He has good manners and takes treats gently, and would be suitable for a family who’s familiar with the breed and doesn’t have children younger than eight years old.

Millie Millie is a beautiful, shy one-yearold female who needs a patient and understanding owner to help her get over her fear of strangers. She is currently living in a foster home, where she has learnt people aren’t quite as scary as she first thought and is showing her playful and affectionate side. She isn’t keen on other cats and would need a garden to explore.

Sid Sid is a very sweet and unusual English Bull Terrier and German Shepherd crossbreed, with a wonderful perky set of ears which display his inquisitive personality.

He is good with other dogs and has lived with several kennel mates at The Mayhew, but please no cats or children under 10 years old. Poor Sid was a stray so we know nothing of his previous life, but he is very eager to please and learn. His new owner would need to continue with training classes and be able to take Sid out on the long walks he so loves.

Mon Ami Mon ami is a stunning four-year-old female who came to The Mayhew as a poorly stray. She absolutely loves people and getting lots of strokes and cuddles. When Mon ami first arrived at she was a bit unwell and was being treated for flu. Staff discovered she had Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) which prospective new owners can find out more about when they visit.

Because of her diagnosis she ideally needs a new home with an enclosed garden or a roof terrace for her to enjoy. She is a wonderful girl who would settle into a family with lots of people and, like her name suggests, would make a special family friend.

To enquire about adopting any of these fabulous Mayhew residents, please call 0208 969 0178 or email lucy@mayhewanimalhome.org for cat adoption.

Please email lisa@mayhewanimalhome.org about any of the dogs

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Find me a home Muffy and Poppy

Muffy is an extremely handsome 8-year-old white male Persian and he is looking for a home with his stunning sister Poppy. Despite what seems like a grumpy appearance Muffy is a very confident laidback and friendly cat. Poppy is a bit more wary of new visitors, although it doesn’t take her long to gain your trust before she’s purring like a trooper and pushing her bum up in the air to get a good scratch.

A quiet adult household and owner who is used to owning Persians or has fully researched the breed and their needs would be ideal.

Holly

Holly found herself at The Mayhew after wandering stray. She is an older girl of about 14-years and a real genteel lady with a sweet friendly face. Holly would make a wonderful companion to someone with a calm and tranquil household and plenty of love to share as she’s got buckets of love to return.

Although she is an older gal and none too adventurous these days, it would be nice to have a small outdoor area so she can have a gentle wander from time to time. Holly is currently receiving treatment for her thyroid which her new owners will need to continue but she takes medication very well.

Pumpkin

Pumpkin is a one year old crossbreed who is the longest stayer in our kennels and is looking for an energetic home to give her a high-octane life! She is an intelligent girl who learns quickly and is affectionate and cuddly. An experienced owner is needed who will give her time to settle and will preferably have owned a guarding breed before. They will need to continue with training classes. Pumpkin can live with teenagers over 16 but no young children or a household with visiting young kids.

To enquire about adopting any of these fabulous Mayhew residents, please call 0208 969 0178 or email lucy@mayhewanimalhome.org for cat adoption.

Please email lisa@mayhewanimalhome.org about any of the dogs

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Part of the Team

CEO Caroline Yates

What made you choose work with animals?

I had to decide whether I wanted to stay in Russia, where I worked for five years as a commodities trader, or take my life in a different direction. I volunteered for an animal welfare organisation in Moscow and was getting more enjoyment from that, so when I returned to the UK in 2003 I looked for work with animals. I feel very lucky that I ended up working at a charity which has a connection to Russia, as there is a huge and growing problem with stray dogs, which we are trying to address.

Why The Mayhew?

The Mayhew has been at the forefront of a proactive, innovative approach to companion animal welfare issues for many years.

Even in the seven years I have been working here, the welfare issues we deal with have changed quite considerably.

We are very much aware that at the root of many animal related issues there is a social welfare problem and I believe we have been one of the first organisations in this field in the UK to recognise that it is crucial to work with other organisations to help both the animal and their

owner; where possible.

We have therefore set up programmes like our Pet Refuge and BARK projects, which serve to help both.

What is the hardest part of your job?

Dealing with the animals that have suffered abuse or neglect can be very distressing at times, but seeing the animals recovering in our care is the reward. Our residents can be great stress busters!

What are you most proud of from your time at The Mayhew?

Our attitude to the animals in our care.

Each individual animal, be it for five minutes in a vaccination clinic, or for several weeks in our accommodation, every animal receives the love, attention and support they require and that is down to the amazing staff and volunteers we have.

What are your ambitions for the future of the Home?

This is a bit of a cleft stick, because my long term vision is to eradicate the need for shelters like ours! To reach this long term goal, we are

Caroline in The Mayhew garden with her rescue dog, Milly

developing our Community Animal Care projects, with the aim of educating the public on responsible pet ownership, as well as looking to expand the low cost services provided by our Community Veterinary Clinic. But moving forward we will be collaborating with other animal welfare organisations in the vital work of getting present animal legislation updated and amended and speaking out for the introduction of a dog and owner registration system.

The Mayhew

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Animal Friends Insurance What would you do if you were faced with a large vet’s bill? Insure your pet with Animal Friends before it is too late.

Animal Friends’ policies costs from around just 20p a day. We offer full lifetime cover too and we insure new pets at ANY age.

Elaine Fairfax, Founder of Animal Friends Insuranc e

And Animals Friends is the only pet insurer that donates all its net profits to animal welfare charities. The Mayhew also get commission for any policy taken out by a Mayhew supporter. So get your pet covered now – buy online or call for cover.

For immediate cover at some of the best rates in the UK call now on 0844 55 70 300 Or buy online at www.animalfriends.org.uk

Your Letters is a very clever and playful soul and is very sensitive to us, there is definitely a special connection. We added to our family with a Cocker Spaniel bitch, Maisie, who is now 6 months old and he took to being her big brother very naturally. Patch comes everywhere with us and our rule is, “If Patch can’t come we don’t go!” He has enjoyed several holidays with us including Yorkshire and The Cotswolds. He has three hourly walks every day as well as numerous plays in the garden with Maisie and his friend Sophie from next door.

We regularly keep ourselves up-to-date via your website, Facebook and your magazine and want to thank you for doing such a wonderful job with all the animals you look after. I imagine it is a thankless task at times, but without your help we wouldn’t have found Patch and for that we are forever grateful.

Warm regards, Emma and Lisa (Patch’s Mums)

Dear Lucy Here’s an updated photo of Tommy & Tilly. As you can see they have now grown a lot, but they are still kittens. They bring us lots of joy and are really great company but Tilly is still the more confident and the adventurous one, Tommy is lovely and always looking after his sister. Both are lovely and in charge of both the house and the garden! They are really well behaved and still love playing with their toys a lot. Will keep you posted!

Barbara Evans We absolutely love to hear from you, so if you have anything you would like to share with or ask us, please get in touch by writing to Sarah Dickinson, The Mayhew Animal Home, Trenmar Gardens, Kensal Green, London NW10 6BJ or emailing sarah@mayhewanimalhome.org

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5 Leona Lewis

MINUTES WITH

In each edition of The Mayhew, we bring you a five minute Q+A with some of the famous faces who support The Mayhew and have been animal lovers for as long as they can remember Leona Lewis is a household name in both the UK and beyond after her success on The X Factor in 2006. She stole the hearts of the British viewers with her stunning voice and has subsequently won many more fans through her love of animals and her commitment to speaking out for their rights.

With a debut album that sold six million copies, Leona is in the perfect position to provide a voice for innocent animals who cannot ask for help themselves.

What is your earliest animal memory?

I grew up with dogs and I really remember just having so much fun with them and sharing such good times.

If you could be one animal for the day and another for night, which would you choose?

During the day I’d be a horse and just run around the countryside! By night I’d be a dolphin and swim around the ocean!

Do you have any animals of your own?

We have a family dog in the UK and I have a rabbit in LA called Melrose. I love animals they

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make me so happy; someday I hope to have a huge ranch with all kinds of animals!

Who is your favourite singer and what animal would you liken them to?

That’s such a great question! One of my favourite artists is David Bowie and I guess I would liken him to a chameleon because over the years he been in the industry he continues to change.

You are well known for your love of animals, was there any famous animal lover who inspired you when you grew up?

Not really, I just always felt a real affinity for animals. Animals inspire me so much!

What is your favourite animal sound?

I love waking up to the sound of birds singing in the morning, it is so beautiful and natural and makes me smile so much!

What animal characteristics do you share?

My name in Spanish means Lioness, I think I share quite a few characteristics; I’m passionate, fiery and proud.

What’s on There are lots of fun ways to get involved and help support the vital work we do. Here are a few events coming up in 2010 that we would love for you to be involved in The Mayhew Children’s Easter Fair Where: at The Mayhew Animal Home When: 1pm-4pm, 28th March 2010 How to book: just turn up on the day! At The Mayhew Animal Home, Trenmar Gardens, Kensal Green, London NW10 6BJ A day of fun and games for children with activities such as an Easter egg hunt, colouring competitions, fancy dress contest and the chance to have your photo taken with one of our animals. There will also be the chance to buy books and some yummy cakes!

The Mayhew Sponsored Dog Walk and Fun Dog Show Where: Hampstead Heath When: 25th April 2010 How to book: contact Fran on the number /email below.

Once again The Mayhew is holding a dog walk and dog show on beautiful Hampstead Heath. There will be loads for all the family to do including a four mile sponsored dog walk, so see who you can sign up to sponsor your efforts. Have a pooch to be proud of? Then enter your four-legged friend into one of the fun dog show categories and maybe you’ll carry off a prize.

Open Day – 18th July Where: at The Mayhew Animal Home When: 18th July 2010 (exact times to follow) How to book: just turn up on the day! At The Mayhew Animal Home, Trenmar Gardens, Kensal Green, London NW10 6BJ Come and join us for The Mayhew’s annual day of summer fun.

There will be lots for all the family to enjoy, including live music, stalls, a barbecue and the chance to get a behind the scenes look at our wonderful Animal Home (including a close up of our veterinary clinic) and the opportunity to meet some of our animals!

If you are interested in any of our events or organising your own event in aid of The Mayhew, please contact Fran Llewellin at events@mayhewanimalhome.org or call on 020 8969 2445. www.mayhewanimalhome.org/events

The British 10K

London Run Sunday 11th July 2010

Up for a challenge? The Mayhew is looking for people to take part in this year’s British 10K London Run. Run past many of London’s iconic landmarks including Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and many more.

Sponsorship raised from the event will help us to continue our vital work rescuing and rehoming hundreds of animals each year. So if you think you have got what it takes then please get in touch.

Runners are given two hours to complete the 10K/6 mile course, so beginners are welcome!

All runners will receive: • Fundraising pack, including fundraising tips and training advice, Mayhew T-shirt.

• ChronoTrack Chip Timing giving you an accurate race time, listing you on the official race website.

• Free Race Time Photo download worth £17.99.

• A goody bag and personal tour of The Mayhew Animal Home.

“I have run for the Mayhew twice now and both times have really enjoyed it.

Although I’m one of the slower runners the encouragement from other runners Janet Priddle a ge 52 on the course is brilliant. I run because I think the Mayhew does a great job and deserves all the help it can get.”

For further details please contact Events Co-ordinator Fran Llewellin at events@mayhewanimalhome.org or 020 8968 2445. Sign up and be part of the Mayhew team!

The Mayhew Animal Home Reg Charity No. 1077588

& Humane Education Centre