FOR PETS - LEFT OUT IN THE COLD ABANDONED DEAF CAT'S FRESH START - Blue Cross
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FOR PETS
The magazine for Blue Cross supporters SPRING 2019
LEFT OUT IN
THE COLD
ABANDONED DEAF
CAT’S FRESH START
PLUS
Dog Vader transforms
the lives of teens
Starving guinea pig’s
miracle survival
What colours can your pet see?
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FEATURES
18
4 Amazing Vader
Helping troubled teens
8 Abused cat
Puts painful past
behind him
Welcome 11 Take me home
These Blue Cross pets
need a loving family
I’m sure that you’re as excited as me about the lighter, 14 Prim and proper
COVER STORY warmer evenings on the horizon. For many of us, that
Neglected pup’s
transformation
18 Deaf and alone means more time in the great outdoors with our pets.
The way that dogs, in particular, get us out and about 17 Miracle survival
But Elsa is happy now
Guinea pig Angel
is one of the greatest things about having them, isn’t it?
is thriving now
Sometimes, though, the impact pets have on lives goes
beyond words; you’ll read about how that’s the case 20 Saved from a car
EDITORIAL for amazing Vader, Blue Cross rescue-turned-school
Tiny pony learns to trust
EDITOR therapy dog, on pages four to seven. Pets give back so 24 Celebrity portraits
Rankin snaps
Aimee Brannen much, and that’s why we’re committed – as we have
stars and pets
CONTRIBUTORS been for more than 120 years – to helping as many that
Rachael Millar need our help as possible. So that we continue doing 26 Twilight years
Jade-Marie Fleuriot Elderly Jack’s
this, we have just launched a fundraising appeal for our
retirement home
PHOTO LIBRARY 70-year-old Hertfordshire rehoming centre, which needs
Tracey Cooper urgent modernisation. Find out how it secured a happy 28 Reunited
Abandoned mum
DESIGN future for cover star Elsa on pages 22 and 23, and what
Steve Tustin and kittens
a difference a rebuilt centre will make to pets like her.
Petersen Creative
It’s going to be a busy year! REGULARS
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Steve Bardens Aimee Brannen, Editor 12 True colours
Marisa Maidment What can your pet see?
Sam Osborne
4 8 16 Get involved
Martin Phelps
Paws for Tea 2019
Carolin Winkler
Helen Yates 23 Pet postbag
ILLUSTRATION Your letters
Amy Crippen 30 News
All the latest news
from Blue Cross
34 Competition
20 Win food for your dog
35 Contact us
Get in touch or
come and visit
Blue Cross is a charity registered in
England and Wales (224392) and in
Scotland (SC040154). © No part of
For Pets may be reproduced or
used in any form or by any means, 14 /thebluecrossUK
either wholly or in part, without prior
written permission from Blue Cross. @The_Blue_Cross
MC-13711-0119
bluecross.org.uk 3
A ray of sunshine
for struggling teens
He was once a terrified, homeless puppy, but now Vader is
helping to rebuild the lives of youngsters locked out of mainstream
education due to learning disabilities and mental health issues.
A n unwanted puppy rehomed
by Blue Cross is helping to turn
around the fortunes of troubled
The couple – heartbroken
following the loss of their beloved
pet and original DHK school dog,
And so the decision was made to
take him home, and a few days later,
Vader started his new life as a much-
youngsters through his remarkable Laya – saw Vader’s profile on the loved pet and trainee school dog.
work as a school support dog. Blue Cross website and soon made Four years on, and after three
Vader was rescued with his the six-hour round trip to visit him at years of intensive DHK training – the
siblings in Ireland and soon found the West Midlands centre. longest of any assistance dog charity
himself in the care of our Bromsgrove As she had hoped, Tracey in the UK – Vader is working with
rehoming team, which worked hard immediately saw the downtrodden teenagers with mental health issues,
to instil in the young dog the vital pup’s potential, despite his sorry autism, PTSD or major anxieties.
socialisation he had missed out on start to life. While 95 per cent of DHK’s 60-
due to his poor start to life. “I did some clicker training plus dogs grow up and work within
And it wasn’t long before he with him to see how receptive he schools, Vader is specially trained
found a home with Tracey Berridge, would be to the future training to help youngsters that are unable
the founder of charity Dogs Helping I had planned. He was great; to stay in mainstream education.
Kids (DHK), and her husband Mark, really, really receptive and just did The four-and-a-half-year-old
near Barnstaple in Devon. everything beautifully. saluki-greyhound cross, who lives
“You could just tell that he had alongside Blue Cross rescue cat
such a sweet nature about Druid, also helps Tracey with the
him – he’s a very deep training of new DHK dogs, attends
and soulful dog.” charity meetings and even has a
regular column called Vader’s Tails
in his local newspaper.
“It was a rollercoaster journey, and
we have had our ups and downs.
He came to us at 16 weeks; no
puppy should be in rescue for that
long. He was undersocialised and
didn’t have any concept of what a
house was. There was just so much
about him that was challenging,
and he was scared of so much;
there were certain things he was
petrified of. It was hard work, but
he is now an awesome dog.”
4 For Pets
HERO DOG
Teenagers that work with
Vader learn all about dog welfare
and training, which includes
mastering impressive tasks such
as commanding him to ring bells
and even read from prompt cards.
Incredibly, Tracey explained that
dogs have the ability to learn and
understand up to 100 words with
the right training, and Vader is well
on his way.
Vader will also nestle his head
in the youngsters’ laps to provide
support and encouragement while
they read.
“Due to his very quiet, calm, very
quirky, but incredibly sensitive nature,
he is very suited to this role,”
said Tracey, who started the charity as
a teenager more than 30 years ago.
One of the teens that Vader helps
is Harry, and the impact of their
sessions on his life has been huge.
bluecross.org.uk 5
HERO DOG
How Vader has “magically discovered something special and “DHK has not only given him [Harry]
unlocked” Harry’s world that we needed to somehow tap huge enjoyment and an increase in
In a desperate search for the thing into this to help Harry, who was self-confidence; DHK has also begun
that would “magically unlock” the finding all aspects of life difficult, a subtle, but very real re-engagement
world for her autistic son, Harry’s particularly school.” with education,” said Heather.
mum, Heather Parks, came across Heather was keen to get Harry a “Inspired by Tracey’s impressive
the DHK website and immediately therapy dog to support him through academic qualifications, Harry
got in touch with Tracey. his difficulties, but soon realised has begun to contemplate what
Harry had been unable to go into it would be a long and expensive education he would need in the
a classroom for five months prior road, which is what led her to reach future to study animal behaviour
to that and had refused to engage out to Tracey. at university.
in anything remotely educational, Harry has been working with “And one day, in his excitement
leaving him “isolated and losing Vader since March 2017 and visits to share the information in a dog
confidence fast”. the DHK headquarters, underneath breed book Tracey had given him, he
But Heather had seen a glimmer Tracey and Mark’s home, once a completely forgot that he doesn’t read
of light at the end of the tunnel week to learn about all aspects of anymore, and read to me the whole
when the family got a dog called dog ownership. 50-minute journey home! And, for
Maisie, who Harry formed an The sessions have become the Tracey, he has even done ‘homework’
instant and deep bond with. undeniable “highlight” of his week, tasks, the only academic work he has
Heather said: “He researched and have given him the drive and agreed to do for over a year.
endlessly, watched training videos enthusiasm to learn again – with the “These moments have signified
and pretty much took over the goal of achieving a career working huge mindset changes for Harry.
whole puppy care responsibility. with animals. For me, they are evidence that I
I noticed that Harry seemed to And, having shown such talent have found the ‘magic’ to unlocking
have an incredible empathy with and promise during the workshops, Harry’s world.”
Maisie, understanding her needs Harry will soon be getting a support
and having amazing insight into dog of his own, who Tracey and
her behaviour. I felt that we had Vader will help him to train.
Vader with Harry holding his
dog training certificate.
6 For Pets
He’s incredible, and
shows that rescue
dogs make the best
dogs and can help to
change lives forever.
An impact beyond measure “He has surpassed all expectations brilliant work he is doing to help so
Vader has changed the lives of and has touched the hearts of all many children. We are so proud of
many more teenagers and has the teenagers he works with and him and grateful to Tracey and Mark
even helped to bring one, who had everyone he meets. for all the work they have put into
attempted to take her own life twice, “You can’t even put it into words making him such an awesome dog.
back from the brink of suicide. the difference that he makes, We are so happy for them.”
And while he’s not in work mode, because it is something that we as
Vader is to Tracey and Mark, quite people can’t do; he connects with
simply, the perfect pet, and he has the teenagers on a level that no
helped to mend their broken hearts human can. They’re willing to talk
following the loss of Laya. and do things that they wouldn’t
Most days the trio can be found if Vader wasn’t there. He has this
walking along the beach near their amazing ability to get them to
home, with Vader zooming around achieve and open up in ways they
playing fetch. wouldn’t be able to otherwise.
The couple, as well as Blue Cross, “He’s incredible, and shows
couldn’t be prouder of him. that rescue dogs make the best
Tracey said: “Vader is such a total dogs and can help to change
sweetie and I honestly couldn’t be lives forever.”
any more proud of how far he has Caroline Oram, Animal Welfare
come with both his training and his Assistant at Bromsgrove, said:
behaviour and everything he has Watch Vader in action at
“The whole team is just so thrilled
achieved for the charity. bluecross.org.uk/vader
at the success of Vader and the
bluecross.org.uk 7
Abused
cat puts
painful
past
behind
him
Helpless and in unimaginable
pain, poor Rupert was found all
alone on the streets in the grip
of winter with horrific injuries.
8 For Pets
SAFE NOW
W hat he might have been through in his first few months in
the world doesn’t bear thinking about.
Thankfully, Rupert was found by staff of the restaurant he
was cruelly dumped outside of in Newport, Wales, and they
managed to get him to a nearby vet just in time.
As well as having a broken jaw – thought to have been
caused by a kick to the face – he was terribly skinny and in a
generally bad condition.
Unable to eat properly, the three-month-old had to be fed
through a tube before the team at the Fields Veterinary Group
performed surgery to wire his jaw back in place.
He spent his first Christmas in foster care, recovering from the
operation and the trauma that had led him there.
Then, once he was fit and healthy, our rehoming unit in Newport
set about finding him a loving home – and it wasn’t long before
Irene Duncan and her husband Robert snapped him up.
Two years on and he is now triple in size, and unrecognisable
from the sad, abused kitten he once was.
When he’s not charging around his Newport home with feline
friends Nala and Binky, he can be found curled up on the sofa
with his adoring owners watching television.
Irene, who rehomed Rupert in January 2017, said: “I had lost
one of my cats due to ill health at the age of 20 and I heard about
Rupert, so we went to have a look and it was love at first sight.
“He was such a poor little soul, so battered and so tiny.
How could someone have done that to a little kitten?”
Nobody could have blamed Rupert had he been wary of
humans after everything he had been through, but Irene said
that he wasted no time settling in and was soon ready to curl up
on her lap for cuddles.
“Rupert fitted in straight away. He is such a big softy,
everyone loves him,” she said.
“He’ll sit on your lap and just lie on his back and let you tickle
his tummy, and just purrs and purrs. There’s no in between with
him, he’s either relaxing or charging around like a mini tornado.
He has so much energy.
“He had such a hard start in life for a tiny little thing,
so he deserves all the good stuff we can give
him. I just love spoiling him, he’s a lovely
cat and we wouldn’t be without him,”
added Irene.
Hannah Wiltshire, Rehoming
Manager at Newport, said: “The first
24 hours were touch and go for
Rupert. But once he had recovered,
he soon became alert and inquisitive.
Rupert enjoying life “It’s so great to see him happy in his
in his new home. new home and enjoying all the home
Inset: Rupert when comforts he needs after the ordeal he
he was found with a
went through.”
broken jaw.
bluecross.org.uk 9
SAFE NOW
“He was such a poor little
soul, so battered and so tiny.
How could someone have
done that to a little kitten?”
Read more about Rupert online at bluecross.org.uk/rupert
10 For PetsREHOMING
COULD YOU
TA K E M E H O M E ?
Can you give any of these Blue Cross pets a place in your heart and your home?
MISSY BILLY
Age is just a number. At least, that’s A relaxing lifestyle, that’s what I’m
what the kind people here tell me. all about these days. My absolute
But I’m starting to wonder if that’s favourite thing is wandering around
true, as my 17 years of wisdom seem admiring the world at my own pace.
to be holding me back. My owner I’m 12, so like to take things easy. I just
died last year and I really would love wish I had a garden of my own to
to find a sofa and a loving lap to curl explore and a warm place to snuggle
up on again. I still have lots to give. up in. It’s not much to ask, is it?
Torbay 0300 777 1550 COOPER Cambridge 0300 777 1470
I’m told that my wonky spine is
putting people off giving me a
home as I move a bit funny. I can’t
help it, but it doesn’t hold me back,
I promise! I’d love to find someone
to look past it and love me for who
I am – could that be you?
Burford 0300 777 1570
ALICE AND OREO BRAMBLE
Hello, Alice here. Me and my best pal I’m a super chilled guy and take
Oreo just love to hop, hop, hop! If only everything in my stride. I need a
we had a lovely garden to do that in. home to live out my twilight years.
You see, I’m blind, so getting to sniff I love a bit of pampering and the
everything in the great outdoors and company of other horses. I do also
feel the wind between my ears feels love food a bit too much though, so
extra special. Do you have room for a I have to hang out with friends that
playful pair in your life? JAY help me to watch my waistline.
Hertfordshire 0300 777 1490 Hiya! I’m Jay and I’m looking for a Burford 0300 777 1570
forever home as a companion horse.
I’m told every day by the kind people
here what a lovely young boy I am.
They say anyone would be lucky to
have me as I’m super calm, love a
good groom and a fuss, and hanging
out with the other horses. Have you
got room for me in your life?
ds
Hundre re Rolleston 0300 777 1520
a
of pets ing
it
just wa et Find your new best friend at bluecross.org.uk/rehome
t o m e
you
bluecross.org.uk 11Seeing
your
pet’s
true
colours
Different animals see from
a broad range of spectrums.
Som
Some see very little colour, while
creatures such as bees and
butterfl
butte ies see more than humans.
12 For PetsTRUE COLOURS
What colours can our pets see? Can cats see in colour?
Colour is our brains’ way of Cats tend to be active at dawn or
processing light wavelengths. Light dusk. This is because your cat’s vision
hits our eyes and special cells, called lends itself to these times of day; they
photoreceptor cone cells, turn it have around six to eight times more
into nerve impulses, which are then rod cells in their eyes, which allows
passed to the brain and processed them to see much more clearly in low
into the various colours. light. Like humans, cats have three
cone cells in their eyes, but scientists
Can dogs see in colour?
think felines can’t detect colour as
There is a common misconception that well as us.
dogs can only see in black and white. Cats are also not as well equipped
Dogs can, in fact, see a wide array of at seeing objects at a long distance;
colours but the range is more like that however they have the edge when it
of a human who has red-green colour comes to night vision! Just like dogs,
blindness, seeing various shades of cats have the reflective mechanism
blue, yellow and green. which gives them that eerie eye glow
This is because humans have three in the dark.
cones in their eyes; blue, red and
green whereas dogs have two; blue Can horses see in colour?
and another that falls between the Horses too have two cone
human red and green cone. photoreceptor cells in their eyes,
However, these colours do not which is known as dichromatic
affect a dog’s quality of sight. Dogs’ vision. Experts believe horses see
eyes have more rods (cells that the world in less saturated colours
process low level light and shape) than humans.
than humans’, which allow for better Research suggests horses have
vision in very low light. the blue and green cone cells and
Dogs also have an additional secret struggle to see red because of this.
weapon, a reflective layer of tissues A horse’s eyesight picks up less
called the tapetum lucidum. This detail than the human eye, but has a
means that your dog’s eyes reflect much broader field of vision; a handy
the light that goes into their eyes back attribute for prey animals who rely
out, allowing a much more detailed on picking up movement from more
view of the world after dark. angles for survival.
bluecross.org.uk 13Prim &
her proper
loving home
Amid the bitterly cold wintery
spells of early 2018, a young
cocker spaniel found herself
all alone and without anyone
to care for her.
T o look at her now, no one
would guess that just a year
ago poor Prim had no way of
With her tail tucked between her
legs and her body crouched low
to the ground, backing away and
Blue Cross Newport Manager,
Hannah Wiltshire, remembers:
“She was just a scared spaniel
protecting herself from the sub- rigid with fear, our team knew who wanted to be your friend but
zero temperatures of the harshest immediately the tell-tale signs that she didn’t know how to be. She
winter on record, as she had no Prim had been mistreated. She was terrified of everyone. When
fur anywhere on her body. She would have a long road ahead of she arrived we had to coax her out
was cold and naked. You can see her, but we would be there every of the van and she would crawl
from the photos taken of her at step of the way to recovery. everywhere, keeping her body
the time (below) just how sad and Prim was found straying and close to the ground with fear.
pitiful the 10-month-old was when was picked up by the local authority “I’ve worked with many, many
she first arrived in Blue Cross care. before being taken in by Hope nervous dogs over the years, and it
Rescue, and then to our Blue Cross is always so sad to see a dog with a
rehoming and advice unit in Newport, body posture like Prim had when we
south Wales. She must have been first met, because you know they are
ever so lonely. And how could she completely terrified. You just want to
trust anyone when no one had ever make everything okay for them.”
shown her kindness? Building up Prim’s confidence and
The little dog, still in puppyhood, helping her learn that it was okay
was suffering from an advanced to trust people was the first step on
case of mange. It had rid her body Hannah’s rehabilitation plan. Taking
of any fur and left her skin rough and small steps would take time, but
hard, and terribly itchy. No animal patience and dedication was the only
deserves to suffer in this way. way to help the utterly broken dog.
14 For PetsTRANSFORMATION
Hannah says: “Prim didn’t come
out of her kennel for five days, she
was that nervous. From day one
she wanted attention and a fuss,
but was too nervous to come close,
so I started off by just sitting on the rehoming centre, and was pleased become familiar and comfortable in
floor in her kennel at a distance she to give another stray a chance her new surroundings, and Megan
was comfortable with. She did a little at happiness. has used toys and food treats to
excited wiggle when I went in, but “When I first took Prim home it make new experiences fun and
was too nervous to leave her bed.” was like she’d never been in the exciting rather than scary.
Today, Prim is a different dog, house before,” Megan explains. Megan adds: “She has gained
physically and emotionally. “She was really reactive at the TV so much confidence in the three
She has a wonderfully happy and would bark at it, so I had it months I have had her; it’s hard
home with new owner Megan on but with no volume for quite a to believe she is the same dog in
Baverstock and two canine while. She’s a bit cowery at times, those photos. She absolutely loves
companions Woody and Sammie. so I assume someone at some her walks and would run around off
Sammie, now fifteen-and-a-half point has been hard on her, which lead all day given the chance.
years old, was also once a stray is really sad to think.” “I feel so lucky to have found her,
dog. She was abandoned at six Megan built on the work Hannah I really can’t imagine life without
months old with a broken spine, and her team had done to help her now.”
which means she still has a slightly Prim grow in confidence and
lopsided walk to this day. Megan continued to take everything one
Read more about Prim
rehomed the jack russell terrier step at a time. Walking the same
at bluecross.org.uk/prim
from our Blue Cross Southampton route every day enabled Prim to
bluecross.org.uk 15T R E A D Y T O
G E
PAW -T Y
Enjoy the
ultimate guilt
free Tea Party
as you help
Blue Cross
give back to
pets in need.
Order your free Paw-ty
fundraising pack today.
Simply fill in the coupon at the
back of this magazine or visit
bluecross.org.uk/teaparty
Blue Cross is a charity that has been helping sick,
injured and homeless pets since 1897.
bluecross.org.uk
16 For Pets Registered charity no: 224392 (England and Wales), SC040154 (Scotland)MIRACLE SURVIVAL
Sweet
Angel
thrives after
miracle survival
A starving guinea pig found abandoned in a flat has been
nursed back to health and found a loving home by Blue Cross.
A ngel arrived at our Suffolk
rehoming centre after being
discovered by council workers trapped
“But despite everything she had
been through, she is a sweet and
very affectionate girl who loves a
and squealing inside a zipped-up fuss and purred away when you
sports bag in an empty property. gave her kale.”
Her owners had moved out Once at our centre, our team
a month earlier and poor Angel gave Angel all the care and fuss
miraculously managed to survive she needed to recuperate from her
for all that time without any water or horrific ordeal – and she soon won the
food other than a mouldy orange. affections of the Suffolk team.
Clare Williamson, Operational But it wasn’t long before she found
Supervisor at Suffolk, said: “The local a new owner and, after two weeks
housing project was cleaning out the at Blue Cross, she went off to a
property when one of its officers lifted loving new home where she is
up the sports bag and heard a squeak. now putting the neglect of her
To their shock, they found a guinea pig past behind her.
and a mouldy orange inside. “We’re over the moon that
“The tenants had been evicted Angel, who has now been
four weeks beforehand so nobody renamed Eva, found a home
is sure how little Angel managed to so quickly. Her new owner
survive. She was underweight and has said that she’s settled
very dehydrated, as well as being in well and is very happy,”
covered in dried urine. added Clare.
Read more about Angel at bluecross.org.uk/angel
17 For PetsElsa
D eaf, alone and with no idea
where she was, Elsa must have
Abandoned deaf
cat rescued by
Blue Cross
from scratch when assessing her
needs – and it soon became clear
been so terribly confused. to the team at our Victoria animal
The young white cat was hospital in central London, that she
abandoned in a cardboard box was deaf.
outside the Blue Cross mobile clinic Thankfully, she was given an
in east London as the team there otherwise clean bill of health and
treated other pets in need. settled in well while she was given
The absence of any details about all the preventative treatment she
Elsa’s past and medical history needed before she could travel to
meant that our team had to start one of our rehoming centres.
18 For PetsHERTS APPEAL
Amanda Marrington, Blue Cross’s
London Welfare Officer, said: “Elsa
For instance, there is no access to
outdoor space for cats to enjoy and
What we hope
settled in amazingly at the hospital, the cattery layout is stressful as pens to achieve
and loved being the centre of face each other, leaving the pets
attention. She would sit on top of her with little privacy, which often results New spacious pens
cardboard box like the princess that in increasing anxiety levels. for dogs and cats with
she is, and would watch from above If they had spacious pens with access to outside space
what was going on. She lapped up access to fresh air, our cats would
all the attention possible.” be far happier and comfortable Facilities for new
She too stole plenty of hearts once during their stay with us as it would admissions where we
she arrived at our Hertfordshire bring them better enrichment and can carry out health and
rehoming centre, where the team afford them more privacy. behaviour assessments
ensured that her confidence Elsewhere in the centre, many of
continued to grow while she was the dog kennels are so outdated that Special, peaceful rooms
found a loving new home. they can’t be used as they fall short for kittens and puppies to
Animal Welfare Assistant, Daniella of welfare standards. improve socialisation
Robinson, said: “We were very Meanwhile, visitors areas are
conscious of her hearing problems unwelcoming and may, we fear, Space for on-site veterinary
so kept everything really slow put off potential rehomers. checks and procedures
around her. The site is a far cry from the calm
“Despite going through quite a lot, sanctuary it was originally designed Isolation pens to stop the
Elsa settled in very well. She was very to provide for homeless pets. spread of infection and
friendly, relaxed and loved being out Without urgent work, the centre is allow pets to be treated
and about exploring the cattery.” in danger of closing. This is why we on site
Imagine, though, if inquisitive Elsa have launched an appeal to raise
had access to an outdoor pen to £2 million to help bring it up to date. Refurbished reception
explore and watch the world go by Kellie Brooks, Rehoming Centre area to give visitors
from. Or a large, comfy, spacious Manager, said: “To make sure we more space and private
pen flooded with natural light where can do the very best for all the pets areas where those
she could play freely in between that come through our doors, we giving up their pets can
snoozing under a ray of sunshine. absolutely have to improve the centre. be comforted
Sadly, unlike other Blue Cross “Our current facilities are extremely
rehoming centres, the facilities outdated and in desperate need Improved access and
at our Hertfordshire site – that of improvement to ensure we can more parking
has been serving pets in need provide the care and the rehoming
for 70 years – are simply not fit service that pets like Elsa and their
for purpose. owners need.
Many of the buildings are dark, “The planned developments will
dingy, noisy and outdated, and in make sure we can look after them
dire need of modernisation. in the best way possible.”
To find out more about the redevelopment and how
you can help us to help more pets in need please visit
bluecross.org.uk/hertfordshire-rehoming-centre-appeal
bluecross.org.uk 19PONY SAVED
from the back seat of a car
Gary was left traumatised and shutdown by
his ordeal, but now he’s thriving in a happy
home and building confidence by the day.
20 For PetsLEARNING TO TRUST
T iny and terrified, Gary was just
a helpless young foal when he
was found crammed into the back
Emily Lambert, Rehoming
Coordinator, was one of those
involved in Gary’s care. She said:
Emily said: “He was very quiet
and it took a while for him to give
us anything back, really. But we
of a car. “He was terrified; he would do always knew he would come round
Thankfully, police pulled over the anything to get away from you or eventually, and towards the end
vehicle – also filled with a group of would sometimes just stand there of his time with us he had started
youths – and made sure the Shetland and close his eyes and put his head playing with the other horses
pony was rescued before he could to the floor as if he was thinking: ‘If I and would start whinnying when
endure any more mistreatment. can’t see you then you can’t see me’. we approached.”
He soon found himself safely “We had to spend a very long time Once Gary was ready, we started
in the care of Blue Cross, but the just sitting in the stable with him, the search to find him a home where
trauma of the incident, combined trying to get him used to us being in he would get the love he deserved.
with the likely neglect he had also the same space as he was in. He had quite specific needs; due
experienced in his short little life, “If he looked at us we would to his age and his newfound love of
had sadly taken its toll. reward him with a treat. It took about play, he needed a pony companion
Not only was Gary thin and in three weeks before we were able to of a similar size and age, along with
terrible condition, he was merely a start approaching him with touch”. a patient owner who could continue
shell of what a happy, inquisitive foal From then on, the Burford horse to help him overcome his fears.
should be and, quite understandably, team worked on getting him used Luckily, Louise Coulson was
was petrified of people. to the many things any well-kept scanning the Blue Cross website at
Shutdown and preferring to be pony would have experienced – just the right time in her search for a
alone, he just stood sad and forlorn from wearing a head collar and friend for her miniature pony Zebby,
in his stable for days after his arrival grooming, to visits from the vet who had lost his own companion,
at our Burford centre in Oxfordshire. and farrier. Dolly, a few months before.
bluecross.org.uk 21LEARNING TO TRUST
And soon, after more than three- “He was very, very scared of There are still things he’s scared
and-a-half months in Blue Cross people, which is what you would of, but the bond that he has with
care, Gary was on his way to start his expect from a pony that hadn’t Louise is unbreakable, and with
new life in the Suffolk countryside with had a very good start. And I really her by his side he has become very
Louise and her husband Richard. did start to worry initially that we brave in approaching situations that
Like the Blue Cross team, the wouldn’t be able to do anything could be frightening.
couple had to work hard to build with him. He would just back into And seeing Gary grow in
Gary’s trust as he was so scared of the corner of the stable and be too confidence and learn to trust
anyone new. frightened to come near me at all.” again has brought its own benefits
Louise explained: “When we first Richard said: “We would sit outside to Louise.
got Gary we couldn’t get near him for his stable and not do anything until “I have pride in myself that I’ve
the first week; we had to work very eventually he would come and stick been able to bring him on and that
hard to get him over his nervousness his head around the corner.” he’s responded so well and so
and being comfortable in handling “Then we worked gradually from quickly,” she said. “It’s very rewarding
and being around people again. there,” added Louise. “It was a slow to see him come out of that shell and
process to get him to trust us.” become a confident, happy pony.”
But nearly six months on, Emily added: “We were so pleased
Gary is unrecognisable from the when Gary found ‘his person’ in
traumatised, terrified and withdrawn Louise and went off to a home where
foal he once was. he would be so loved. No animal
He happily trots around his field should have to suffer the start to life
with pal Zebby, greets new people that Gary had, so it’s wonderful to
with confidence and takes most see him thriving and continuing to
aspects of life in his stride. develop so well in his new home.”
You can read more about Gary at bluecross.org.uk/gary
22 For PetsLETTERS
We love to hear from you
Please send us your news and pictures of your pets!
ORIGINS BROMLEY
I thoroughly enjoyed the latest I just wanted to write and say how
For Pets magazine. It was so good moved I am about Bromley’s story
to be reminded of the origins of the in the autumn issue of For Pets.
Blue Cross during the war. I hadn’t The photograph of this brave and
realised and yet it is so obvious: courageous dog on the front cover
the Red Cross for people and the moved me to happy tears as he
Blue Cross for animals. What brave looks so content, ecstatic even,
and brilliant work you did. to be safe with a loving owner at
And you are still doing great work last. You can almost see his smile
today by caring and rehabilitating HAPPY EVER AFTER of relief. Thank you to everyone at
animals like Bromley. Good to You loved reading about the pets we’ve Blue Cross for saving his life, twice,
hear their uplifting stories. helped who featured in the last issue of and to Denise, his new companion
If I am ever in that position I will be For Pets. Here are just a few of the well and friend for giving him a healthy
looking for a ‘Dusty’ of my own! wishes dog Dusty, who has helped her and exciting new life. Long may
Liz Jones, by email owner Julie cope following the loss of they continue to find joy and
her husband, received: happiness together.
Mary Adams, by email
What a heart breaking but beautiful story.
Julie and Dusty met at the right time.
Melissa Spence, via Facebook Would you like to see
Bless you. I hope you and Dusty have
your pet on this page?
many happy times as he helps you We love to hear how Blue Cross
overcome your grief. pets are changing lives. Please
Julie Byrne, via Facebook email your letters and photos to
So glad this lady has found happiness editor@bluecross.org.uk
with Dusty, he really does look like a or write to For Pets Editor,
teddy bear! Blue Cross, Shilton Road,
Wendy Wilson, via Facebook Burford, Oxon OX18 4PF
I lost my husband in September and my
cat Tilly has never left my side. She has Find us on
been such a comfort to me and is really Facebook & Twitter
helping me to get over the loss of my
soul mate of 55 years. @The_Blue_Cross
Gail Melvin, via Facebook @thebluecrossUK
bluecross.org.uk 23Celebrity
Portraits
by Rankin
Stars of stage and screen have
come together for a very special
photography portrait series
celebrating the role pets play in
our lives, shot by internationally
renowned photographer Rankin.
Bob The Street Cat and owner James Bowen, actors
Miranda Richardson, Joanna Scanlan and Isaac
Hempstead Wright, and comedian Jimmy Carr – who
is pictured with his own Blue Cross dog, Marnie – are
just some of the celebrity pet lovers who took part in
the photoshoot to raise awareness of rehoming pets.
Rankin, who also snapped a self-portrait with Blue
Cross horse, Splodge, said: “Pets change our lives.
I know mine certainly have and that is why I wanted
to join forces with Blue Cross and their famous
friends and through this series of unique
portraits, inspire people to give back to pets
in need for the amazing, enriching and
wonderful roles pets play in our lives.”
Clockwise, bottom left to right: Rankin with Blue Cross horse, Splodge; Michelle Collins
with Blue Cross rescue dog, Stitch; Isaac Hempstead-Wright, Game of Thrones actor, with
his two pet dogs; Daughter and father actors Emily and Anthony Head with a Blue Cross
rescue rabbit; Miranda Richardson, stage and screen actor, with Blue Cross dog Paddy;
Diana Vickers, singer-songwriter and actor, with Blue Cross foal Emerald; Emily Head,
Emmerdale and Inbetweeners actor, with Blue Cross rescue kitten Stevie; Joanna Scanlan,
actor, pictured with Blue Cross foal Emerald; James Bowen and Bob The Street Cat.
24 For PetsSTARS AND THEIR PETS
Jimmy, Marnie, Mackey,
Taxi, Parker and Pumpkin
We asked comedian Jimmy Carr to tell us all about life
with his pets, including Blue Cross rescue dog Marnie.
Who shares your sofa? Why did you choose rescue pets?
Our cats Parker and Pumpkin, our dogs Marnie and As soon as I found out rescuing a pet didn’t involve
Mackey, and we also have another dog called Taxi running into a burning building to save it, I was all in.
who is sort of our problem child, he will sit in the corner The only thing I found strange about rescuing a dog is
and watch. that someone gave up Marnie, that seems crazy to me
as she is so lovely.
Describe each of your pets in three words
Marnie (Yorkshire terrier, six years old): What’s the best thing about having pets?
playful, energetic and boisterous It may be too much of a cliché, but it really makes a
Mackey (English toy terrier, eight years old): house a home.
handsome, alert and determined
What are their worst habits?
Taxi (English toy terrier, six years old):
They overspend at the vets. They go down there with
excited, nervous and agile
my credit card and go nuts.
Parker (domestic shorthair, 11 months):
fearless, lythe and superior What’s the most extravagant thing you’ve bought
Pumpkin (domestic shorthair, 11 months): for them?
flirty, inquisitive and playful Insurance.
How did they come to join your family? Where’s your favourite place to go with your dogs?
We went to Discover Dogs and spent a blissful The backyard and toss the ball to Marnie, she can play
afternoon looking at every colour, shape, size and fetch for hours. She is my kind of dog, obsessed by
breed of dog and decided that English toy terriers are tennis (balls).
the prettiest animals on earth. We went for looks – turns
out they are pretty high maintenance. It’s like dating What’s the best pet advice you’ve been given, and
a super model. Our two ETTs are boys and we felt the by whom?
dog sitcom going on in our kitchen needed a female Don’t throw the tennis ball inside by Ryan Neile, Senior
character. We called Blue Cross and they basically Animal Behaviourist, at the Blue Cross. Marnie would
have Tinder for dogs. They send you a picture and a play all day if given the chance and you would never
biog and we swiped right on Marnie. Then we had get a cuddle with her on the sofa.
several dates with her and discovered not only is she
a very attractive and playful Yorkshire terrier, she’s also Questions for your pets:
a perfect fit for our little family. And after our beloved
rescue cat Cookie passed after sixteen years, we again What’s the best thing about being Jimmy’s pet?
turned to the Blue Cross. When we met Parker and Marnie: “Tennis ball. Tennis ball. Tennis ball. Throw
Pumpkin we knew they were the perfect pair of lively the tennis ball. I’m hungry. Throw the tennis ball.
kittens to fit in with our pack of rambunctious dogs. Throw the tennis ball. What was the question?
Throw the tennis ball….”
How is your Blue Cross dog Marnie settling in with
the rest of your pets? Go on, let us into a secret about your owner?!
She’s ruling the roost. Marnie has not only established Marnie: “Tennis ball. Tennis ball, throw the
her authority over our other dogs but also us. tennis ball. I’ll go and bring it back. Tennis ball.”
bluecross.org.uk 25Elderly Jack’s second shot at
HAPPINESS
Having known only the same owners for 12 years, Jack was
devastated when he found himself in kennels all alone after his
heartbroken family had no other option but to give him up.
26 For PetsELDERLY DOG
W hile he spent his days being
showered with love and
attention in the reception area of our
when he left Blue Cross – wearing
a shiny red festive bow – to start his
new life some 150 miles away in the
Laura added: “When we’re not at
work he’s literally with us all the time
– he’s great company and comes
rehoming centre, Jack cried long into Welsh countryside. everywhere with us. When we’re at
the night once everyone went home, There, he joined the couple’s work, he goes to my mum’s house
hating every aspect of kennel life. rescue cat Harry, a chinchilla, as he doesn’t like being alone.
In his twilight years and missing budgies and a flock of former “We’re just really enjoying
his family desperately, Jack was factory-farmed hens. having him in our lives; he’s made
quite simply heartbroken – just as his He also loves to go with Laura such a huge difference to us.
devastated owners must have been each day to the stable yard nearby He’s just perfect.”
– and the worried team at our Thirsk where she keeps her two horses. And for Laura and Terry, who set
centre in north Yorkshire put out to rehome an older dog
out an urgent appeal on social because they felt that they
media to find him a home. didn’t have the time to invest
Thankfully, Laura and Terry in bringing up a puppy, the
Lloyd were looking for a dog at rewards of giving Jack the
the same time and, when they retirement home he deserved
saw the photo of his sad, grey- are beyond measure.
muzzled face pop up on social Laura said: “To anyone that is
media, fell in love straight away. looking to rehome a dog, I’d say
Laura said: “There he was, that age is just a number. Don’t
with his sad little face and big dismiss a dog just because
brown eyes. The post said that they’re in their advanced years,
because he was so old he was because they’ve still got a huge
being overlooked as nobody amount to offer.
wanted to take on an older “Jack is now 13 but he’s still
dog, and he had to be the only dog “He just loves everything and full of beans and is really active.
in the home.” everyone,” said Laura. “As soon as He’s such a fantastic dog and we’re
The couple filled out an application we got him home he jumped on so glad that we picked him.”
form for Jack there and then, the settee and just settled in straight Amy Younger, Assistant Manager
expecting him to have a sea of away. He lived with three cats at Thirsk, said: “Everyone was so
people coming forward to give him previously and loves Harry – they gutted for Jack that he had come to
a home. So Laura and Billy were even snuggle up together.” us at that stage in his life. He was
overjoyed when the centre called and And it seems that Jack’s new home really struggling in kennels, but was a
asked them to meet him. and family has also given him a different dog when he came into the
“We arrived at the centre and he new lease of life, with him becoming office and was with people; he was
was there behind reception as he increasingly active. In doing so, he’s just a delight to have around and
couldn’t bear to be in the kennels. also got Laura and Terry out and greeted any visitors.
He whops at new people – he did it about more too. “We were so grateful that Laura
to us and I just started crying because “They said at the centre that he and Terry came along. He is a lovely
it was so cute,” said Laura. “We spent wasn’t too fussed about walking, dog, but because of his age he could
a few hours getting to know him and and he just loves his tennis balls. Well have been with us for a long time
letting him get to know us, and we just now, he insists on walking – and likes and he just wasn’t coping.
fell in love with him straight away.” to go three times a day,” said Laura. “Everyone is so happy for Jack. We
And after 35 days in our care Terry continued: “We’re both get regular updates, and he’s clearly
and an emotional farewell, on 16th actively out walking with him every living his best life. His story shows
December 2017 Jack’s Christmas day before and after work, and at just how much older dogs have to
wish for a new family came true the weekends.” offer when they are given a chance.”
Read more about Jack online at bluecross.org.uk/jack
bluecross.org.uk 27Abandoned cat
reunited
with
kittens
Ella & Kittens
28 For PetsREUNITED
Ella was left to fend for her newborns all by herself when
her owners moved away. Had Blue Cross not been there
to step in, her story could have been very different…
F ive helpless newborn kittens left
all alone after their pregnant
mother was abandoned in an
“It was a race against time to
make sure they had everything they
needed to survive. Kittens need
empty flat have survived thanks to regular meals and care, so it could
being reunited with their mum. have been a very different outcome
Cat Ella was left to fend for herself had they not got to Blue Cross when
when her owner moved out and they did.”
didn’t take her with them. Kind Amazingly, the following day
neighbours had been feeding Ella Ella returned to the spot where she
and checking up on her and her had left her brood to find they were
kittens, but when the new mum missing. We believe she may have
failed to come home at the usual been off searching for food further
time the concerned neighbours away from home than usual to give
called Blue Cross for help; worried her the strength she needed to care
for the young kittens’ welfare. for her newborns.
A neighbour brought the "When we received the news
youngsters to our Victoria animal that Ella was home, a volunteer
hospital in central London and collected the confused tabby and
we immediately took them in and brought her to our animal hospital
made sure they had the milk they where her kittens were waiting,”
urgently needed. said Amanda.
“The whole team was thrilled
to be able to reunite Ella with her
It was a race against kittens. They knew their mum
time to make sure they had straight away and wasted no time
in begging her for a meal!
everything they needed
"While we are always able to
to survive. Kittens need hand feed kittens who need it, they
regular meals and care, will have a much better chance
so it could have been a of growing up strong and healthy
with their mother. She was an
very different outcome had excellent mum.”
they not got to Blue Cross The kittens were named Peter,
when they did. Logan, Clark, Bruce and Tony after
superheroes. The whole feline
family was given the all clear
Amanda Marrington, Blue Cross to be transferred to Blue Cross
Animal Welfare Officer, said: Southampton rehoming centre
“We were desperately worried following a health check, where
about the kittens because we didn’t they settled into a peaceful foster
know how long they had gone home before they were found
without a meal. loving homes.
Read more about Ella and her kittens online at bluecross.org.uk/ella
bluecross.org.uk 29NEWS
E
BITESIIZES WHATEVER HAPPENED TO?
STOERLATEST Every year Blue Cross finds families for thousands
of homeless pets. We’ve caught up with a familiar
ALL TH OM
R face to see how they’re doing.
NEWS F SS
O
BLUE R
C
Poor Stitch’s world came tumbling down when he lost his best
friend of 15 years on Christmas Eve 2017. It was an incredible
blow for the elderly dog who had known his owner since
puppyhood. His whole life he had known and relied on just
one family, and that comfortable and familiar environment
was gone, just like that.
Thankfully for Stitch, Blue Cross was there to help. With plenty of
Stitch love and care from our team along the way, Stitch was found a
loving new home with Ann and Julie. Julie said: “I think it’s fair
to say he won’t be our last older rescue. Some people will say
‘But he’s going to break your heart!’, but actually for us, older
pets not having a home is more heartbreaking. We’d rescue
them all if we could!”
Thankk you so muchh ffor your support in 2018!!
Lucky escape for trapped floorboard kittens
Three tiny kittens are lucky to be alive after being discovered by builders under
the floorboards of a former restaurant which was about to be demolished.
George Harman and his team heard The builders had to remove 10
the kittens’ cries during work at the site concrete blocks by hand to find the
in Cane End, Reading, and quickly set kitten, concluding the three-hour rescue.
about locating where the desperate George added: “The kittens looked
little miaows were coming from. to be in a pretty poorly state with gunk
On looking down a hole in the floor around their eyes. They were covered
they found a black kitty crying for its in cobwebs, dirt and dust and were so
mother, and removed the floorboards small you could feel every bone in their
to save it. Half-an-hour later, they came body. I can only imagine that they were
across a second kitten 10 metres away starving hungry.”
– but then, there were still more cries. Sadly there was no sign of the kittens’
George Harman, Project Manager at mother so George took them to the
Bellwood Homes, said: “We removed Blue Cross rehoming centre in Lewknor,
more and more flooring but we still Oxfordshire.
couldn’t see a kitten anywhere. The kittens were so young that they Once the siblings – named Bill, Elle
“We could still hear the cries and needed to be fostered, and initially and Beatrix – were well enough and
then we realised they were coming required round-the-clock care, having ready, they were found loving new
from inside the wall.” to be bottle-fed every four hours. homes where they are now thriving.
30 For PetsPlease, sir, can we NEW
have some love? REHOMING
Two puppies found crammed into a horse feed bucket, UNIT
starving and filthy, have been nursed back to health Blue Cross has opened a
by Blue Cross and found loving homes. new rehoming and advice
unit in Manchester.
Oliver and Twist were found by a Following in the footsteps of
member of the public in squalid similar facilities in Newport and
conditions, covered in their own waste, Sheffield, the new site has cosy
and brought to our Southampton home rooms for the dogs to
rehoming centre. spend their days in between
They were traumatised, riddled with nights at nearby kennels.
worms and suffering from badly upset It will also help cats and small
tummies. pets, as well as dogs, through
But thanks to the round-the-clock our Home Direct scheme.
care of the team looking after them, the
seven-week-old puppies were soon on
the mend.
h Animall Welfare
Dani Smith, lf Assistant at Southampton, said: “When they first
arrived they were quite scared and nervous because of what they had been
through, but they quickly gained confidence and got much braver. They took
everything in their stride.”
Now, just like their Charles Dickens character namesake, the orphaned siblings
have both found their own happy endings with families to love them.
Abandoned cob becomes
winning show horse
An abandoned fly grazing cob qualified for a prestigious horse show
three years after being found abandoned and rescued by Blue Cross.
Jack has transformed from a shaggy home in no time and Sheila Henry
young stallion into a showing supremo couldn’t believe her luck when she
who, last year, appeared at Hickstead found him on the Blue Cross website
Royal International. more than two years ago.
The striking black and white cob, After lots of training, Jack is now
originally called Chap by Blue Cross, regularly competing in shows and
was found wandering the lanes of rarely comes home without a rosette.
East Anglia, snacking on the verges Laura Pearce, Horse Rehoming
while traffic tried to avoid him. Coordinator at Blue Cross Burford
The police signed him over to continues: “In the time that Sheila has
Blue Cross and he was taken to our had Jack he has represented Blue
horse unit at Burford in Oxfordshire. Cross in in-hand showing, driving
With his good looks and flowing and ridden showing, going from
paces Jack quickly became a green two-year-old to a winning
favourite with the horse team at show horse under saddle. We are so
Burford. They knew he would find a proud of them both.”
bluecross.org.uk 31NEWS
Supporter whose rescue dog ‘improved
his health’ leaves a generous gift
A kind animal-lover, whose life was transformed by a Blue Cross rescue dog after his wife
passed away, will help many more pets in need through a generous gift left in his Will.
Maurice Fox, 94, donated a legacy paws with Mr Fox, and the pair shared
of more than £33,500 to Blue Cross, an “amazing” eight years together.
having been a keen supporter of the “Susie gave Dad much needed
charity alongside his wife Dorothy for companionship and a routine to his
many years. days,” said Mrs Easton.
Mr and Mrs Fox owned dogs “Walking her took him out into the
throughout their marriage and the village to chat to neighbours and gave e
couple’s passion for pets often led them him daily exercise.”
to get involved in sponsored walks Susie passed away, aged 11, and
and open days at their local rehoming Mr Fox sadly went onto develop
centre in Thirsk, north Yorkshire. Alzheimer’s, but his family are sure
Their daughter, Margaret Easton, that the presence of his much-loved
said: “My father was totally bereft, pet prolonged his life.
having lost his wife of almost 60 Mrs Easton added: “I really do think
years, closely followed by the loss that having Susie contributed hugely to
of their beloved dog. He decided he his physical and mental health; he keptt
was too old, in his early 80s, to have incredibly well while she was alive.”
another dog.” Blue Cross is ever so grateful that
But thankfully, Mr Fox was we were able to bring Susie and
encouraged to get a new canine Mr Fox together for their final years,
companion. And in 2007, he adopted and for this very generous gift that
Susie, a black and tan cavalier, from will enable us to secure many more
Blue Cross Thirsk. She had experienced pets, and their owners, happy and
a difficult start to life but landed on her healthy futures.
Overweight hamster gets a fresh start
An overweight hamster is back on track to a healthy waistline
after being taken in by Blue Cross and found a new home.
Big Momma, named after the owl in factor to Big Momma’s weight was her
Disney film The Fox and the Hound, cage being too small. She also didn’t
came to our Burford rehoming centre have an exercise wheel, which meant
with weight problems that were likely she had limited ways to burn off her
to have been a combination of getting food and get mental stimulation,
too many treats and a lack of exercise bearing in mind that hamsters are
in her previous home. thought to run around for up to five
Simon Yeats, Animal Welfare miles a night.”
Assistant, explained that many cages Simon said that giving hamsters a
sold to unaware owners in pet stores digging box filled with sand will help
are too small for hamsters. He said: to keep them active as well as their
“I suspect that a large contributing nails short.
For more advice on looking after hamsters, visit bluecross.org.uk/advice/hamster
32 For PetsYou can also read
