FOR PETS TRANSFORMED SKINNY STRAY LAB JAKE IS UNRECOGNISABLE - Blue Cross
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FOR PETS
The magazine for Blue Cross supporters AUTUMN 2019
TRANSFORMED
SKINNY STRAY LAB JAKE
IS UNRECOGNISABLE
PLUS
Rescue dog turned assistance pet
Lonely hearts find love
Hero horse retires
FEATURES
16
4 Hero hound
Rescue dog turned
assistance pet
10 Lonely hearts
Find each other
Welcome 15 Curious kittens
Find loving homes
We look after thousands of pets each year, but helping people is
18 Injured cats
an important part of our work too. We match families with pets Thrive after surgery
they love and adore, take in animals from those that can no
COVER STORY longer keep them and help owners when they can’t afford the 21 Bunnies abandoned
15 Starving and alone vet care their companions need. We’re also there for those that Their happy ending
Jake has now found have lost a much-loved pet with our Pet Bereavement Support 22 Pet loss
happiness Service (PBSS), which marks its 25th anniversary this year. Helping people
On pages 22 and 23 you’ll hear from Jackie Buckle, who used for 25 years
the service when she lost her beloved cat, and now helps others 24 Farewell, Shadow!
EDITORIAL through the pain of losing a pet as a PBSS volunteer. Staff horse hangs
We’re there for people and pets through the ups and the up his hooves
EDITOR
Aimee Brannen downs, and always will be. Just like we were there for poor
CONTRIBUTORS
Jake, our gorgeous cover star, when he was found as a starving REGULARS
and emaciated stray. Now he’s happily bounding around the
Rachael Millar 13 Take me home
countryside surrounding his new home; his transformation,
Jade-Marie Fleuriot These Blue Cross pets
which you’ll read about on pages 16 to 17, is incredible. This issue need a loving family
PHOTO LIBRARY also celebrates some of our hero pets, like Fudge (pages four
Tracey Cooper 14 Pet advice
to nine) – a once homeless dog who is now one of the world’s
DESIGN smallest assistance pets. And lovely horse Shadow, on pages 24 How to make a
Steve Tustin snuffle mat
to 27, who has been a constant at our Rolleston rehoming centre
Petersen Creative for 13 years, helping the team match people to the right horses. 28 Pet postbag
PHOTOGRAPHERS I hope you enjoy reading all about them. All your letters
Steve Bardens
Aimee Brannen, Editor 29 Get involved
Martin Phelps
Blue Cross Week
Helen Yates
ILLUSTRATION 30 News
Amy Crippen 4 10 All the latest news
from Blue Cross
Thinking about 34 Competition
Win pet-friendly
bouquets
getting a puppy? 24
35 Contact us
Get in touch or
come and visit
Our Puppy Knowhow advice will help Blue Cross is a charity registered in
England and Wales (224392) and in
Sign up for free emails at: bluecross.org.uk/puppyknowhow Scotland (SC040154). © No part of
For Pets may be reproduced or
used in any form or by any means, 18 /thebluecrossUK
either wholly or in part, without prior
written permission from Blue Cross. @The_Blue_Cross
MC-14245-0819
THINKING ABOUT GETTING A KITTEN? – COMING SOON... bluecross.org.uk 3
HERO HOUND ‘HE’S SAVED MY LIFE’ Fudge was given up by his last owners due to his high energy levels, but Blue Cross knew this busy nature could be channelled into work – and now, he’s a hero assistance pet… 4 For Pets bluecross.org.uk 5
HERO HOUND
P ets bring their owners happiness
in all kinds of ways – but for
Judith Margolis, Blue Cross rescue
“Bearing in mind my profession
was teaching, I was used to
interacting with people all the time
“It seemed to happen overnight and
all of a sudden I became invisible
again,” she explained.
dog Fudge is not only a trusty so it was really, really difficult.” So Judith contacted Support Dogs
companion, he’s her lifeline to Judith, 66, who has cerebella for help and together they found
the outside world. ataxia – a rare condition which border terrier-cross-pug Fudge
When the former university affects coordination – became at our Thirsk rehoming centre in
lecturer started to need a wheelchair increasingly depressed until, five Yorkshire. He had been given up
due to a progressive brain disorder years ago, she decided to rehome at 14 months for having too much
13 years ago, she felt totally isolated a dog. energy, which Support Dogs and
and unable to leave her home. Alfie, an abandoned Lhasa apso Blue Cross thought would be
“You become invisible in a puppy found tied up outside a rescue best channelled into work as an
wheelchair,” she said. “Sixty-five centre, became her saviour and was assistance dog.
per cent of people say that if they trained by the charity Support Dogs to Rachael Myers, Training and
see someone in a wheelchair provide assistance to Judith. Behaviour Coordinator at Blue Cross
they won’t talk to them because He changed her life instantly but in Thirsk, explained: “We could see
they don’t know what to say, so it’s sadly went blind at a young age, Fudge was a highly intelligent dog
very lonely. leaving Judith cut off once again. who needed jobs to do. We felt he
would be best placed in a working Fudge went to live with Judith assistance dog and was given his
home so that he would not get in St Neots, Cambridgeshire, blue Support Dogs vest, which he
frustrated or bored. He is such a fun alongside her husband Irv and Alfie now wears with pride.
character and was loved by everyone in 2016. “It was just the social stuff that
during his time at Blue Cross. Training had its ups and downs; took about 18 months to get right,”
“We are delighted that he is now challenges included keeping Fudge Judith said.
happily in a new home where his focussed when out and about as At home, Fudge fetches the
busy nature is being put to such he would bark and try to play with phone for Judith, brings her slippers
good use.” other dogs he met. to her, helps to take off her socks,
Danny Anderson, Fundraising But he quickly took to fetching trousers and jumpers and opens
Manager at Support Dogs, said: things for Judith, who is the chair of and closes doors and gates.
“We work with a variety of dogs, Disability Cambridge and a weekly Judith said: “Fudge is trained
including those from rescue centres volunteer at her local branch of to bring me the phone so that
or unwanted pets. We don’t have the MS Society, and soon became I can get help when I need it.
our own breeding programme an enormous help to her around That’s a major thing in my life as
and love being able to give an the house. my husband feels that he can
amazing dog a second chance and And eventually, after six attempts, go out, when before he wasn’t
transform them into a lifesaver.” Fudge made the grade as an very happy about leaving me.
6 For Pets bluecross.org.uk 7
HERO HOUND
“He does all kinds of other on my legs in the evening and the Fudge I would probably not go out
fetching and carrying for me and warmth and the pressure helps with and not see anybody. I’m quite a Fudge helps Judith with a variety
picks things up if I drop them. He’ll the pain. I didn’t realise but the drugs positive person, but without people of household tasks, including
bring me his lead when we’re that I was taking were making my and doing things it’s very easy to opening and closing the gate
going out and even puts his own head foggy and after I stopped taking sink into depression if you’ve got
toys away when I ask him to.” them it was like a fog lifting,” she said. cerebella ataxia.
And for a dog that struggled to But it’s the difference Fudge “And it’s easy to say ‘well I’m just
contain his excitement at seeing has made to Judith’s confidence going to sit here and not do anything’,
others on four legs, he now has the in getting out and about and but with a dog I have to get up and
best recall of any dog Judith has socialising that is the most precious. go out, and just that pressure alone
known and zooms back to her at She continued: “With a dog by my makes such a difference. So he’s
lightning speed on walks, whatever side people stop and ask me about saved my life, really.
the distraction. him, and it starts conversations. “He is the most loving, adorable
Fudge has also provided He comes everywhere with me. dog I have ever had. He sits on
unexpected pain relief for Judith. We’re a team. my lap all the time, and loves to
“I get a lot of pain in my legs, and “I think to say that he has saved be stroked. I’ve had lots of dogs
I needed pain killers for it, but I don’t my life is a cliché but actually, I in the past but never one quite
need them anymore because he sits think he has. Because without like Fudge.”
Judith says that having Fudge
means that she is no longer
“invisible” when she’s out
and about as he is a talking
point which enables her to
interact with people
Watch Fudge in action at
bluecross.org.uk/fudge
8 For Pets bluecross.org.uk 9
LONELY HEARTS
When 81-year-old Maureen Lenehan It was very upsetting, and I lost all Emma and Maureen were
was turned away from a pet rescue hope,” said Maureen. soon embarking on the seven
centre for being “too old” to rehome But, seeing how heartbroken her hour-round trip from Walsall, West
a dog, she lost all hope of finding a mother was, Maureen’s daughter Midlands, to meet the two-year-old
four-legged companion to ease the Emma didn’t give up. dog, who had to be given up by his
loneliness she was feeling. “I really was made to think I was previous owner due to a change in
She had lost her beloved too old,” Maureen said. “But my circumstances. The rest is history.
husband, Carol, seven years earlier, daughter told me that I wasn’t, and “Myself and Bandit gelled straight
followed six months later by the said that I had a lot of love to give, away,” said Maureen. “He walked
family cat, Chester. And although was active and had a lovely home.” through the door and the first
she desperately wanted a dog to person he made for was me, and
help fill the void, Maureen initially “He makes me want to get he was straight on my lap and all
feared that another pet may be too up in the morning. In fact, over me.”
much of a tie. I think he’s given me a And Bandit wasted no time in
“Everyone kept saying to me you’ve settling in with Maureen at home
got the freedom to do whatever
new lease of life – I feel either. They go for a walk each
you want,” said Maureen, who had younger now than I did at morning and then play in the house
owned dogs throughout her 56-year the beginning of the year.” with Bandit’s forever-expanding
marriage. “It was true – I could go Maureen, Bandit’s owner collection of toys.
here, there and everywhere, but Bandit sits and watches as
that’s all very well until you get home Thankfully, Emma came across Maureen – who is a whizz with
and all you’ve got is the television.” Blue Cross, where age is no barrier her electric saw – crafts furniture in
Bandit
So after much thought, she to rehoming a pet. the garden, and in the evening he
The tiny dog has filled a void of started her search for a dog early She found a Chihuahua called snuggles up on her lap while she
loneliness in his new owner’s last year and was delighted when Bandit at our Tiverton centre in watches TV and crochets.
she came across a Chihuahua that Devon, described as a “tiny chap On the day Blue Cross visits,
life, and together they prove needed a home at a rescue centre. with a big personality”; he too had Maureen is working on a new
that age should be no barrier “It was all going well until the plenty of love to give and was at his blanket for Bandit, and he contently
steals hearts to rehoming a pet…
moment that I told them my age.
They told me that I was too old.
happiest around people. It sounded
like a perfect match.
curls up underneath it while she
knits away.
10 For Pets bluecross.org.uk 11
LONELY HEARTS REHOMING
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?
KAI BRIDGET
Hiya! I’m eight years old and I I’m a nervous girl in new situations,
love nothing more than making but I have so much love to give to
people smile. I’m told I’m a real the right person – I’ve just got a bit
goof ball, whatever that means. of learning to do along the way.
I promise to make you smile too, Will you be the friend I need?
if you give me the chance. Burford, 0300 777 1570
Tiverton, 0300 777 1560
MISS KITTY
I do like to take things easy, you
know. Before ending up here, I lived a
Maureen with Animal Welfare wonderful, quiet and relaxed lifestyle
Assistant Charlotte Gowing on with my elderly owner, and I’d love to
the day she took Bandit home get back to that with someone new.
Any space on your sofa for me?
Cambridge, 0300 777 1470
“He’s just adorable, the best Charlotte Gowing, Animal Welfare “It just goes to show that age PRINCESS
thing that’s ever happened to me,” Assistant at Blue Cross Tiverton, should never be a barrier to BLUE As my name suggests, I like the
Maureen said. “He makes me want who fostered Bandit during his time rehoming. In fact, we often find I was pretty Blue by name and by finer things in life. But I’m no diva,
to get up in the morning. In fact, in our care, said: “I was honestly our older rehomers are the ones nature when I arrived here, as I find I promise! I love nothing more than
I think he’s given me a new lease of so disappointed for Maureen who have the most time to give to the world quite scary. But everyone being around people and making
life – I feel younger now than I did at when she said that other rehoming their pets.” has been so kind and I’m slowly them smile with my funny antics.
the beginning of the year. So we’re organisations had refused to give Maureen has only one complaint, learning to trust people. Can you Give me a chance, and I’ll show
just right for each other.” her a dog before she even talked and that’s how Bandit – for a dog help me overcome my fears? you how much fun I can be.
She continued: “He’s brought about the amazing support network so small – manages to take up so Southampton, 0300 777 1530 Lewknor, 0300 777 1500
me a lot of love and a lot of joy. she had. much space in the bed.
We have great times together; we “Maureen has given Bandit a life Laughing, she said: “He seems to PEPPER
play in the house and we go on better than some people half her grow in the night. He glides his way I was in a sorry state when I was
little walks. All the family love him. age could offer.” closer and closer until I’m out of found fly-grazing, but the lovely
The grandchildren idolise him. Louise Thomson, also an Animal bed and then I go round the other people here at Blue Cross have
And I take him to see my Welfare Assistant, added: “We knew side and get back into bed and he helped to build up my confidence
daughter-in-law’s mum and dad, Bandit would make someone a glides back again. He just wants to lots over the past two years.
so he’s getting a lot of love.” fantastic companion, but I don’t think be as close to me as possible.” Now I’m looking for a best friend,
And the incredible bond they any of us could have imagined what They are inseparable, and the could you be the one?
share is clear for everyone to a perfect pairing Maureen and Bandit unconditional love that they’ve given Rolleston, 0300 777 1520
see. Her daughter Emma added: would be – it is evident that Bandit is each other is a gift that money
“I haven’t seen mum smile like this very content in his new home! can’t buy. ds
since before we lost dad. To say it’s Hundre re
a
a match made in heaven would be of pets ing Find your new best friend at bluecross.org.uk/rehome
it
an understatement.”
You can read more about Bandit at bluecross.org.uk/bandit
just wa et
t o m e
you
12 For Pets bluecross.org.uk 13
PET ADVICE CURIOUS KITTENS
How to make Step one:
Cut up your fabric into one inch-wide strips and
a snuffle mat
roughly six to eight inches in length.
Snuffle mats are a great way to keep
your dog mentally stimulated by
encouraging them to solve a puzzle
using their impressive sense of smell.
The idea is nice and simple; hide your dog’s favourite
treats under the fabric and ask them to sniff them out.
Depending on how many treats you have hidden, this
can keep them focussed on a task for quite some time,
helping to satisfy their curious minds and engage their
Step two:
natural instinct to sniff. Take one strip of fabric, with your rubber mat in
front of you, and thread this through a hole in
your mat. Tie the two ends together that you’ve
What you need: passed through the mat.
1. Rubber bath mat (with holes in it)
2. Fleece fabric cut into strips
3. Scissors
4. One hour of your time!
TIP: Cut up an old fleece blanket
Mary,
At just a year old, Mary, Mungo and but to have the kittens outside, and
you no longer need or hit the charity Midge’s mum Boo found herself all without human contact, they wouldn’t
shops to find some nice fleece fabric. alone and pregnant. have been as lovely as they are, or
e
Be sure to wash the fleece before you use Thankfully, a kind couple noticed could potentially not be here at all.”
Mungo
it and cut off any seams around the edge the stray’s expanding tummy as she Once the kittens were old enough to
to avoid choking hazards for dogs. drifted between gardens in the hunt be weaned, we found a loving home
for food, and took her in. for Boo. Due to her lovely nature,
& Midge
A day later she gave birth to her we believe that she lived in a home
Step three: three precious kittens in a spare room previously, but with no microchip, her
Repeat until you of the house, and the feline family owner can never be traced.
have a full snuffle was soon brought to our rehoming And at eight weeks old, it was her
mat with material centre in Cambridge for the care both litter’s turn to begin their new lives.
covering all gaps. Born to a stray mum, litter and mum needed. “They were your typical kittens;
Sarah Bates, Rehoming and very playful and very loving. We knew
this kitten trio didn’t Operational Supervisor at the centre, it wouldn’t take us long to find them
said: “Boo wasn’t underweight but homes.” Sarah adds.
have the best start to hadn’t had any flea treatment and Each year, Blue Cross cares for
life – but with the help was a little bit nervous. Apart from hundreds of unwanted or stray
that, she was very happy to be kittens and their mums. Having
of Blue Cross, they somewhere safe with her kittens. cats neutered not only prevents
all have happy and She was only young herself. unexpected litters, it also reduces
“If she hadn’t been taken in by the the likelihood of them straying and
healthy futures. couple she would have had no choice picking up diseases.
You can read more about Mary, Mungo & Midge at bluecross.org.uk/marymungoandmidge
14 For Pets bluecross.org.uk 15
TRANSFORMATION
Starving stray Jake before
Labrador
thrives in
loving home
S tarving and all alone, Jake was
found helplessly wandering around
a woodland. Nobody knows how such
Due to his leg problems, walks
also needed to be approached
And nine months on, Jake is
thriving – unrecognisable from the
I’ve got a friend on Exmoor, who
has four spaniels that Jake loves,
with caution; short and on-lead to sad, skeletal dog that first arrived at so we often meet up with them
a sweet dog ended up like this, but ensure he didn’t run around and do Blue Cross. there for walks.”
by the time he arrived at our Burford more damage while we built up his Despite a bout of pneumonia, Jacqui continued: “He’s brought me
rehoming centre he was one of the fragile muscles. he has hit his target weight and his great companionship. I love to walk
most emaciated strays the team has Understandably, Jake hated to be hind legs are getting stronger by and so having him has been brilliant
ever seen. left alone after his ordeal – and wanted the day, helped along by regular as it means that I’m always getting
With his ribs and hips protruding, to be around people at all times. hydrotherapy sessions and the the map out and looking for walks.
he weighed just 25.4kg when he was “He was really stressed in kennels,” many walks he enjoys with Jacqui by And it has been good for him too.
first picked up by the local dog warden said Amber. “He really didn’t like being his side. I get a lot out of our walks together
– just two thirds the body weight of a on his own. He loves people and His unwavering love for tennis and he does as well. You just don’t
healthy black Labrador his size. loved having cuddles, so we gave him balls has continued, and on the have the motivation to do it unless
The eight-year-old was so thin that as much time out of kennels with us day Blue Cross drops by, Jake is you have a dog.”
he was unable to regulate his body in the offices as possible. Although bounding through the long grass of Jake is also a big hit with Jacqui’s
temperature, so needed to wear a he was older, he was still very active a field beside his home on a farm, grandchildren, who live next door
jumper at all times. And he had suffered and loved to play with his tennis balls. playing fetch with his favourite toy. with her daughter and son-in-law.
muscle wastage on his back legs, which He was lovely, a really good boy.” Jacqui, who had recently retired They have hours of fun playing
left him even weaker. Alicia added: “He was also really and was missing the company of with Jake in the garden and he’s
Amber Cooney, Animal Welfare good with other dogs, so he would dogs after losing her two Labradors a never short of someone to throw his
Assistant, said: “We’ve seen worse regularly go out with other dogs few years earlier, said: “He settled in tennis ball.
cases in females that have had puppies, to keep his spirits up. He had lots on the sofa straight away. He has got “He loves children, so much so that
but Jake is definitely one of the worst of doggie friends here. And the the loveliest nature.” if he sees children when we’re out
cases we’ve seen in a stray male dog.” volunteers walked him loads as he Together, Jacqui and Jake love you have to hold him back as he just
Rebuilding Jake’s strength from so was so sweet.” to explore new places and have wants to follow them,” said Jacqui.
little was a challenge, and one that Jake was making great progress lakes and the Blackdown Hills on Jake clearly could not be happier
needed to be done slowly; food needed at Blue Cross, but he was struggling their doorstep. and, for the team that cared for him
to be gradually introduced to avoid to put on weight due to being so As Jake is largely deaf, Jacqui was at his lowest ebb, it’s a wonderful
causing other health complications. sad when he was in his kennel, and initially nervous about letting him off end to his sad tale. Amber added:
Alicia Fay, Animal Welfare Assistant, suffered a further setback when he lead – but the special bond they now “It’s really nice to see him from how
explained: “He had three meals a day, caught kennel cough. share means that she can do so with he was in kennels to now, with such a
so that he put weight on gradually, and What he really needed to fully confidence as Jake will always look lovely home.”
he was fed with puzzle games so that recover was a loving home and, after back to check that she is still there.
he didn’t wolf it down, as his stomach 25 days in our care, he found just that “I have had the most amazing
wouldn’t have coped.” with Jacqui MacMaster in the rolling walks with him,” said Jacqui. “He loves
Read more about Jake
Somerset countryside. to go on walks and visit new places. at bluecross.org.uk/jake
16 For Pets bluecross.org.uk 17
SAFE AND SOUND
“He looked into my
eyes, and I looked
into his, and I thought
‘I can’t resist you’.”
Caroline Davidson-Brewer
C ats are said to have nine lives, another pet, but the house felt empty,
Two
but sadly at Blue Cross we know and Kimovich needed a family.
fortune doesn’t always favour those Caroline says: “He looked into
who have suffered horrific injuries. my eyes and I looked into his, and I
For two particular felines however, thought ‘I can’t resist you’.
not only did miracles occur but so, too, “I’d had a partial mastectomy
cats
did second chances at happiness. and had to have another part of the
Stray cat Kimovich was hit by a car treatment soon after we got him,
in November 2016. Seriously injured and he was so lovely. He came and
and dazed by the impact, he needed sat on my lap and purred and said,
urgent surgery to save his leg. With ‘Come on, get better’. He knew there
no one to foot the bill, the homeless was something. He’s very much a
who got the cat faced euthanasia until our Victoria
animal hospital stepped in.
caring cat.”
Kimovich’s unusual name nearly
cream Arabella was not so fortunate with
her injury. In July 2018, the curious
kitten fell from a third storey window
and fractured her front leg so severely
that amputation was our only option.
got him into a pickle at the height of
the Salisbury Novichok investigations,
when one evening he failed to return
home on time.
“The whole car park next to the
Once they were well enough after police station at the end of our street
their respective incidents, both cats was taken over by the army to remove
were transferred to our Southampton police cars for decontamination
rehoming centre where they got the and they had put cordons in place,”
care they needed, including that from Caroline remembers.
long-time volunteer Tony Davidson- “I called ‘Kimovich, Kimovich!’ a
Brewer, from Salisbury. couple of times because he wasn’t
The Davidson-Brewer home had in the back garden,” Tony adds.
always been full of pets, but when “And then I opened the gate to find
much-loved cat Katcha passed a policeman standing right outside.
away at the grand age of 21, Tony I had to assure him Kimovich was
and his wife Caroline were forlorn. a cat and not a Russian spy! I said,
They planned to wait a while to allow ‘please don’t shoot him if he crosses
their hearts to heal before welcoming your cordon!’”
18 For Pets bluecross.org.uk 19SAFE AND SOUND ABANDONED
Then, in August 2018, Arabella our fingers at her gently, and we
Bunny
joined the family. will blow her kisses too. She sees
Introducing the cats initially was our lips and she sees the fingers,
challenging, and not helped by and sometimes she’ll let out a little
Arabella suffering a setback when her miaow back at us.”
amputation site opened up, requiring
love
further surgery. During recovery she “If we want to show we’re
had to remain as inactive as possible interacting with her we
to allow healing to take place. Her
boredom led to creating her own wiggle our fingers at her
fun; the unfortunate recipient being gently, and we will blow
Kimovich. Tony and Caroline had her kisses too.”
already decided to call on Tasha Cole,
Animal Behaviour Coordinator at Blue Cross stitched Kimovich and
Southampton Blue Cross, for help. Arabella back together, but by taking
It wasn’t a walk in the park, but a chance on these two broken and
after several months, and lots of unwanted cats, and going further
hard work integrating the two cats, still to ensure a happy and healthy
they are accepting of each other and life, Tony and Caroline have given
sometimes rub noses. them the gift of the perfect future they
Arabella is also deaf so Tony and could only dream of when they were
Below: Arabella’s X-ray after her fall Caroline have taught her a series of recovering on our hospital ward. And
Bottom left: Kimovich recovers in a hand signals to aid communication. in return they have brought such joy to
Blue Cross hospital
Tony adds: “If we want to show their owners. And as Tony says: “Cats
Bottom right: Arabella with owners
we’re interacting with her we wiggle and dogs make a house a home.”
Tony and Caroline Davidson-Brewer
T hey must have been so frightened.
Plucked from the life they knew
and abandoned outside one of our
to start building a picture of what they
like so that we can match them to a
suitable home.”
Bobtail, said: “They’ve brought a lot
of love to our lives. They just make
me happy whenever I see them.
rehoming centres in a small carrier, Thankfully, though, four-year-old If I’ve had a bad day I just come in
with just a note to say their owner Mr McGregor, and five-year-old the garden and sit and watch them
could no longer care for them. Bobtail, were resilient, and it wasn’t and it makes me happier.”
Mr McGregor and Bobtail may long before they found a home.
have been found by safe hands, But they sadly suffered another
but the lack of vital information setback when their owner had to
about them meant that it was move and could not keep them. We
harder for our Burford team to work took them in again, and gave them
out how to best help the rabbits. all the love and care they needed.
Simon Yeats, Animal Welfare Thankfully, sisters Ali and Katie
Assistant, explained: “We struggled to McNeil were on the lookout for
find out the basics. We didn’t know if a pair of rabbits at just the
they were indoor or outdoor bunnies right time.
and we didn’t know what food they And the bunnies have
were on, and a sudden change in diet lived in Oxfordshire with
can sometimes be a bit of an issue. the siblings, along with
“Although the note had information Ali’s partner, Kyle, since
about them being neutered and November last year.
vaccinations, it didn’t state which Ali, who has fulfilled
ones they had had. There are lots of her childhood dream
other questions that we would have of owning rabbits and
asked their owner; things that help us shares a birthday with
You can read more about Kimovitch and Arabella at bluecross.org.uk/kimovichandarabella You can read more at bluecross.org.uk/bunnylove
20 For Pets bluecross.org.uk 21PET LOSS
OK, I know I’m biased but Max but were busy studying and enjoying The world keeps turning of course
‘Goodbye was a really handsome cat.
A typical tuxedo with the softest green
eyes and whiskers like piano wires.
He was very huggable (although he
hectic social lives, whereas because
I worked from home, it had just been
me and Max together. I guess he’d
become a bit of a mummy’s boy – or
and new challenges, problems and
opportunities demand our attention.
As the months wore on, I began to
accept the loss of Max and slowly
my friend’ would only tolerate being held for
about eight seconds) and loved to
follow me around the house, purring
and occasionally coming out with that
at least I liked to think so.
I looked online for things to help
– perhaps hearing about other
people’s experiences would make
build my life around it. I had made a
little montage of some of his pictures
and I still touched it every day.
Whereas in the first weeks the pictures
a story of pet loss loud, chirrupy miaow of his.
One day Max looked
me feel less alone. This is where had filled me with regret, I now felt
happy looking at them. What
a great cat he was! Feisty,
different. He was quiet and
sleepy, not his usual self at friendly, funny and beautiful.
all. I was a little worried but HOLD THE LINE How lucky we were to have
didn’t think too much of it. Later for everyone who has lost a pet had him. I felt like I had waded
that day, though, he started through what felt like a swamp
panting heavily. We took him Seek threads of their love and you’ll find them: of grief and finally reached
to the vet. I remember my dry land. It had been hard
tears falling onto the black
on cushions and coats, hard-trodden paths but I realised that the main
consulting table as I was and tongue-worn toys. Remember, thing that had helped was the
told the bad news: Max had you are not alone. We are here. Hold the line. ability to tell people how I was
congestive heart failure. Hear paws padding on floors to greet you, feeling and how special our
There followed a whole bond had been.
raft of veterinary visits and
or the gravel-scratch of claws on the sofa; I felt ready now to offer
medical procedures to help each can be a tribute in time. Stay connected, support to others going
save our boy. Max hated you are not alone. We are here. Hold the line. through the loss of a pet
the vets and fought hard and so I signed up for the
Happy days make for happy lives, so let your spirits
whenever he had to go into Blue Cross Pet Bereavement
his carry case – despite his
multiply, your pains divide. Count the monuments, Support Service. I have
condition he could still be recount the good times. Make the call – now been a volunteer for
quite feisty! After many weeks you are not alone. We are here. Hold the line. two years and spoken to
of these trips, of hoping hundreds of people. The calls
By Russell Jones,
against hope, crossing are all totally unique but some
everything, and praying Blue Cross’s Pet Poet Laureate things unite them, such as
for him to get better, it was the tremendous social and
clear he wasn’t going to. We emotional support pets give
decided it was time to say goodbye. I came across the Blue Cross pet us and the purpose and laughter they
The house without Max was not a memorial wall. With tears streaming bring to our lives. I have felt privileged
good place. I suddenly realised what down my face (again), I read the to listen to people’s stories, which are
a hole he had left. A big physical, many touching tributes. It actually often incredibly moving and heartfelt,
emotional hole. All the little routines helped considerably and I decided I and to offer whatever I can in terms
This year marks the 25th anniversary of Blue Cross’s we had shared; the uncomplicated would like to write my own memorial of hope and support. I believe that
Pet Bereavement Support Service. Since it launched affection; that constant, comforting to Max. pets are a huge force for good in the
everyday togetherness. I wanted to tell people how special world and that despite the dreadful
in 1994, we have helped thousands of grieving pet My daughters helped a lot, taking he was, what a great little character. pain we feel on their passing, it
owners of all ages, from all walks in life. One of me out for coffees and letting me go I wanted to honour him and, on is a price worth paying for their
on and on about how much I missed a more practical level, to have unconditional love and the wonderful
them is Jackie Buckle, who used the service when him. They loved and missed Max too something tangible to do. memories they leave us with.
she lost her beloved cat, Max. She is now a PBSS
volunteer, after the experience inspired her to help
others struggling to cope with the loss of a pet. Are you grieving for a pet? Call 0800 096 6606 (8.30am to 8.30pm) or
Here, she tells her story… email pbssmail@bluecross.org.uk or to find out more visit bluecross.org.uk/pbss
22 For Pets bluecross.org.uk 23FOND FAREWELL
W e’ll be wishing one very special resident a fond farewell
We’ll
later this year as he goes to a home of his own.
Shadow, a cob, is taking a well-earned retirement after
spending many years working alongside human members
of staff at our Rolleston rehoming centre, near Burton upon
Trent, Staffordshire.
The 19-year-old horse has been employed as our
miss our
schoolmaster for 13 years, and during that time has helped
hundreds of people rehome their new best friend.
Maria Kavanagh, Acting Horse Rehoming Manager at
Blue Cross Rolleston, explained: “A schoolmaster is a horse
that works alongside us as part of the team.
“Usually schoolmasters help inexperienced riders to
Shadow
learn the basics, but Shadow has done so many important
roles during his time with us, including helping us assess
potential rehomers so we can match them up with the right
horse, and guiding our younger horses both in the school
and out hacking.”
“He’s part of our team so it will be sad
to see him leave but nice for him to
From naughty schoolboy
have one to one care. We will really
to retiring headmaster, miss him but wish him a very happy,
Shadow’s looking forward and well deserved, retirement”
to putting his hooves up…
24 For Pets bluecross.org.uk 25FOND FAREWELL
Shadow has also played an active the environment at the centre suited prestigious Badminton horse trials,
role in helping to train our team. him. He was relaxed and enjoyed even bringing home a rosette for
Kath Urwin was the centre working with different riders.” his polished performance, and
manager at our Rolleston centre Thanks to Shadow’s help at our educating children in pony care days
when Shadow first arrived back in appointments for new owners at Rolleston. He even dressed up to
2006. She remembers it wasn’t all looking to take on a horse, we’ve take part in a historical re-enactment
plain sailing for the now-dependable been able to find loving homes for of Blue Cross’s history of caring for
horse, and at one point he left the hundreds of horses; many of whom equines for one open day (pictured).
team wondering what to do with him. had come from welfare situations, Alice Pettitt, Horse Welfare
Kath says: “Shadow came in with including being abandoned to fly Assistant at Rolleston who has
some behavioural issues, and he graze at the roadside. Shadow worked alongside Shadow for
wasn’t very steady. We worked with has also helped to bring on young several years, said: “He’s part of our
him on some of his issues before and nervous horses who needed team so it will be sad to see him
rehoming him but he came back encouragement having suffered leave but nice for him to have one
almost immediately. neglect in their early lives. to one care. We will really miss him
“At that point we hadn’t got a He has also been the star of but wish him a very happy, and well
schoolmaster. He was a nice, easy many shows, including representing deserved, retirement.”
going chap with ability and I think Blue Cross on display at the Shadow, you will be missed!
“He was a nice, easy going
chap with ability and I think
the environment at the centre suited
him. He was relaxed and enjoyed
working with different riders.”
You can read more about shadow at bluecross.org.uk/shadow
26 For Pets bluecross.org.uk 27LETTERS
We love to hear from you
Please send us your news and
pictures of your pets!
HAPPY EVER AFTER
You loved reading about the pets we’ve helped who
featured in the last issue of For Pets. Here are just a
few of the well wishes dog Jack, who found a loving
ZOMBIE
home with Laura and Terry Lloyd, after becoming
I adopted Zombie from Blue Before After
Cross 13 years ago, and chose
homeless at the ripe old age of 12, received: him mostly because I knew that
black cats were often overlooked
HEIDI by people, and I think that all
We’ve absolutely loved animals are wonderful regardless
welcoming our new cocker of their colour. He rolled over
spaniel Heidi into our family. onto his back, when I asked to
She’s loving, intelligent, meet him, as if to say “please
extremely lively and adored choose me, as I will be your loyal
by everyone - especially our and loving friend”. Needless to
children and grandchildren say, I promised him that I would
who can’t wait to visit her. always love him and look after
Huge thanks to Blue Cross him, and frequently told him how
You are two lovely, lovely people. So happy you lucky I was to have him... But I
for bringing this bundle of found Jack and he’s found his forever home.
energy into our lives! think that he knew this anyway!
Catherine Atherton, via Facebook
The Boullemier family, He gave me years of happiness
I’m in tears… Laura and Terry you are amazing. and laughter, and supported
Northampton
Tracy Hazledon, via Facebook me when I had to learn to cope
It’s just £1 a week to enter our Thank you so much Laura and Terry!! So grateful with a life changing injury; in fact,
weekly lottery and you will have that you got Jack and made him happy again. Zombie seldom left my side. Just
the chance of winning up to You gave him the best Christmas gift ever over a year ago, he suddenly
£10,000, and support pets in Terry Ignacio, via Facebook became very ill, and had to have
our care at the same time! Enter radio iodine treatment, but this
What an absolutely beautiful boy! Such special people
now at lottery.bluecross.org.uk for giving him a home. Thank god for people like them.
Joanne Davis, via Facebook
gave him another happy year
of life. He loved to sleep on the Get involved in our biggest fundraising
end of our sofa, and would pull
Would you like to see Laura and Terry... Thank god you gave him a a cushion over himself (like a little week of the year, 7–13 October.
beautiful home! Can we clone people like you duvet), to keep himself nice and
your pet on this page? please so the world is a kinder place? cosy; however, if our other black
We love to hear how Blue Cross Jo Ashworth, via Facebook cat was in his spot, he would Bake sales, sponsored walks,
pets are changing lives. Please regularly place the cushion on
email your letters and photos to
You are such lovely people. Thank you for saving
that gorgeous boy. Wishing you many healthy, top of her, and then climb on top car boot sales and more...
editor@bluecross.org.uk happy years together. of the pile! there are so many ways to change
or write to For Pets Editor, Rosie Titmus, via Facebook Sadly, we recently had to have
Blue Cross, Shilton Road, our old boy put to sleep, but we a life during Blue Cross Week.
Aw bless him, lovely old lad. So pleased he’s found
Burford, Oxon OX18 4PF think that he was 18 years old and
a loving home. I adore senior dogs with their wise
Find us on old faces and grey muzzles. we can console ourselves with
Facebook & Twitter Janice Duerden, via Facebook the thought that at least he had Find out more and get
a long and happy life, thanks to
@The_Blue_Cross
What fantastic people, good for you giving a lovely Blue Cross bringing us together. your free fundraising pack at
old dog a chance again. Heart warming story. xxx
@thebluecrossUK Vicki Raine, via Facebook
He is sorely missed. bluecross.org.uk/bluecrossweek
Caroline Joss
28 For Pets Blue Cross is a registered charity in England and Wales (224392) and in Scotland (SC040154).NEWS
WHATEVER HAPPENED TO?
E
BITESIIZES DUTY CALLS
STOR
Every year Blue Cross finds families for
LATEST
thousands of homeless pets. We’ve caught up FOR UNWANTED PRESENT PUP
ALL THE OM with a familiar face to see how they’re doing.
R
NEWS F SS
O
BLUE R
C A puppy who had a very sorry start is there, and young puppies like Suzie Even at just a couple of months old,
Vincent now set for life as a canine hero, thanks are more at risk because of their Suzie’s curious, watchful and steady
to Blue Cross. immature immune systems.” character showed us that a working
Little Vincent was found all alone in a
Belgian shepherd Suzie was bought After a couple of days of careful home would give this gorgeous girl the
cardboard box in a car park, without any
online as a gift, but she was not wanted treatment, Suzie was given the active and mentally challenging lifestyle
water. When he arrived at Blue Cross, we were re
and was given to a friend who too soon all-clear to travel to our Bromsgrove she needed to reach her full potential.
shocked and distressed by what we found.
realised they were unable to provide the rehoming centre in the West Amy Howard, Veterinary Supervisor
Not only was the seven-week-old West
care a young puppy needed. Midlands, where she continued to at Bromsgrove, said: “She is a
Thanks to your Highland Terrier sad, thirsty and filthy, his rightt
When they brought Suzie to our grow in strength. beautiful girl, but she’s so much more
ear was just a stump, with a wound showing
Victoria animal hospital in central Suzie still needed to remain in than a pretty face. Her mind is keen,
support, we a clean cut had been made across it. His tail
London she was skinny and suffering isolation at Bromsgrove, but she had she’s highly intelligent and she needs
was also missing, and we believe that both
helped 40,574 were deliberately chopped off.
from a bacterial infection which can
make puppies weak very quickly.
much more freedom to get outside,
sniff exciting things, and tear about
a job to do.”
Having impressed the top brass
It’s lucky this tiny, precious boy arrived at our doors when he
sick, injured did. We cleaned him up, got him out of pain and taught him that humans
Amanda Marrington, Animal the puppy play pen, which she of a police dog training school, Suzie
Welfare Officer at Blue Cross Victoria, thoroughly enjoyed. In just a couple left Blue Cross to become the force’s
and homeless were not to be feared. He thrived in foster care and soon found a home. said: “Sadly it is all too common to of days, she had mastered sitting and newest recruit. There she will undergo
Laura Smart, Blue Cross Animal Welfare Assistant at our Lewknor see sickly puppies coming through learning to target. many months of training to get her
pets in 2018. rehoming centre, said: “Vincent found a loving new home with a family our doors having been bought online. Suzie is a Malinois, a type of Belgian ready for life protecting the public.
who have had the breed before. Sadly their much-loved westie died two We believe Suzie was likely born in a shepherd famed for their appetite Everyone at Blue Cross is so excited
years ago at a grand age of 16. puppy farm before being sold at the to work and high intellect – and no to see what the future holds for Suzie,
Thank you “We’re so happy he has got the happy ending he deserves, as the story click of a button. ordinary once-around-the-block- and we’ll be following her journey
so much! could have had a very different ending.” “The dire conditions in these places before-a-snooze-on-the-sofa kind through the training academy and
mean disease spreads quickly of breed. hopefully one day soon, on to the beat.
Scar-face Ginny finds a home TINY KITTEN FOUND ABANDONED IN SHOP
A dog whose face is covered in X-rays also revealed an old fracture in n A six-week-old kitten found dumped centre in Lewknor, Oxfordshire, where
he
one of her legs – another sure sign of the in a homeware shop in south London she was found to be in good health
scars due to her painful past has has been found a loving home by and was cared for until she was old
neglect and pain she likely experienced d
found a loving owner to look before being abandoned in Wales. Blue Cross. enough to find a home.
past her disfigured appearance. Laura Smart, Animal Welfare Assistant, nt, Betty was found in the gardening Laura Smart, Blue Cross Animal
he
said: ”We’re not sure what kind of life she section of Wilko in Mitcham Road, Welfare Assistant, said: “Betty should
Lurcher Ginny spent a heartbreaking 93 has had, but we have our suspicions Tooting by a customer who alerted have still been with her mum and
days in the care of our Lewknor rehoming that she was used for hunting due to the e staff after hearing tiny miaows. litter mates. She must have had such
centre in Oxfordshire earlier this year and scars on her face. Marion Terry, 20, customer assistant a scare being dumped in a busy
was continually overlooked before finally “Sadly, she’s not the most photogenic at Wilko, said: “When we first found store surrounded by strange smells
finding a home. dog as a result and we were worried the kitten she was understandably and noises.
Nobody knows the horrors that the stray that was why she was missing out frightened as it was a busy lunchtime “Every year we take in many
might have been through previously, but on interest from people. But she was in our store. I picked her up and put her unwanted litters of kittens and strays
with deep scars all over her face, our team such a loving, affectionate girl, so we in our staffroom. She was soon purring and it is important to know that very
suspected that she had been used for couldn’t be happier that she’s found and fell asleep on my colleague's arm.” young cats and siblings are likely to
illegal hunting. the home that she deserves.” The kitten was taken to our rehoming produce a litter if not neutered.”
30 For Pets bluecross.org.uk 31NEWS
Self-taught assistance dog wins Neglected ponies
Blue Cross Medal nursed back to health
A hero hound credited with saving both of her owners’ from brink of death
lives has been awarded the 2019 Blue Cross Medal for
extraordinary animal achievement. Two foals found abandoned, emaciated and infected
Lily-Rose, an eight-year-old papillon cross, saved her with a potentially-fatal disease are now thriving after
owner, Jenny Deakin, from choking to death on a snack Blue Cross saved their lives.
MIA-OUCH!
and alerted her when her mother, Tina, collapsed in the At just three months old, Cupcake and Gateau were
night after a heart attack. suffering from strangles, a highly contagious, upper
She also performs essential tasks around the house respiratory tract infection which causes painful abscesses
like picking up items dropped by Tina, who struggles around a horse’s face and lymph nodes. Cat saved after swallowing
with arthritis, and helps with essential household chores No one had sought the vital veterinary care they needed needle and thread
including the laundry. to fight the disease, and because they had been weaned
Jenny, of Brentford, west London, said: “I owe my life to at too young an age, their bodies had been left weak. A Blue Cross animal hospital team was shocked to find
Lily but it isn’t what she has done for me that made me Laura Pearce, from the Blue Cross Horse Rehoming a needle embedded through the roof of a cat’s mouth
nominate her for the Blue Cross Medal, it is what she does Team, said: “At just three months old, the foals should still while treating her for eating a piece of sewing thread.
for my mum on a daily basis. She takes care of her every have been with their mothers learning from their every Two-year-old Bella was rushed to our Hammersmith
day, gives my mum her independence and gives me move, but sadly this wasn’t the case.” hospital after her owner realised the piece of string
peace of mind that I can leave for work every day.” Both foals were utterly bewildered and frightened was stuck, but had no idea just how close his beloved
when they arrived at our Burford horse unit. They had pet was to catastrophic injury.
been through so much in their short lives and didn’t know Veterinary Nurse, Francesca Mingotto, said:
where they were or what was happening to them. No one “Bella is certainly one lucky cat. The fact that the
had ever shown them that people could be trusted, so needle got lodged in her palate rather than being
Bereaved husband completes Janice our team had a long road ahead of them to introduce
Cupcake and Gateau to human kindness.
swallowed could have saved her life.
“Her owner was lucky to have spotted her taking the
thread and his quick actions to call us straight away
‘toughest footrace on earth’ Laura added: “The team have been doing all we can to
restore Cupcake and Gateau’s faith in humans by using meant no more damage was made. It could have
been a very different story.”
for Blue Cross food as a reward during training. By bringing them on
with tasty treats when they’ve done a really good job, Cats typically love playing with dangly threads and
ribbons, which can be extremely dangerous.
they are learning that humans are positive, and they are
A husband has completed the challenge of a lifetime beginning to trust us.” Blue Cross advises pet owners and visiting friends
Gateau has now found a home where she continues to and family members to be extra vigilant when doing
in memory of his beloved wife and Blue Cross craft-work and sewing, because a piece of string is so
grow, and the team hopes that her pal Cupcake won’t be
veterinary nurse, who sadly passed away last year. far behind in finding the fresh start she also deserves. very tempting to our felines.
Bella’s owner, Christopher Keane, said: “My niece
John Hunsley ran the Marathon des requires entrants to run the distance was just sitting at the table doing some sewing and
Sables, a six-day ultramarathon across of about six regular marathons amid John on the Bella grabbed the thread before we could stop her.
race
the Sahara Desert in Morocco, as a temperatures in the forties, all while Once I realised the string was stuck, I called Blue Cross
tribute to his wife Janice, who died carrying a backpack. And in completing to get an appointment for the next morning.
following a long and difficult illness this epic feat, John raised more than “I couldn’t believe it when I saw the X-ray, I’m so
in 2018. £1,500 for Blue Cross to continue glad she’s okay. We’ll be much more alert around
Janice Hunsley had worked at Blue Janice’s legacy of helping pets. needles and thread from now on and keep her away
Cross Grimsby animal hospital for over Faith Woodcock, Grimsby animal when we’re sewing.”
40 years and was a well-liked and hospital manager, said: “Everyone at The 4cm long needle had penetrated the roof of
respected member of the team and Blue Cross was fully behind John and poor Bella’s mouth, with the string still attached and
local community, having spent decades spurring him on. It’s very fitting that the she required surgery to remove it.
caring for pets in the area. money John raised will go towards Bella has since been given the all-clear by our vets -
The Marathon des Sables is described helping sick and injured pets, just as and she is steering clear of sewing time.
as “the toughest footrace on earth” and Janice did for so many years.”
32 For Pets bluecross.org.uk 33CONTACTS
FIND US
WIN
£150 credit to
Discover your local Blue Cross
Our animal hospitals
1
2
3
Grimsby
Hammersmith
Merton
We have 57 shops and
20 national rehoming
network locations.
22 10
spend on gifts 4 Victoria
Our pet care clinics
and flowers on 5 Ashford (Kent)
Bloom & Wild 6
7
Cwmbran
Derby 16
1
19
8 Luton
9 Torbay
10 York 7
18
Our rehoming centres
11 Bromsgrove 11
12 Burford 13
13 Cambridge 8 21
14 Hertfordshire (Kimpton) 14
12
15 Lewknor 6 15
16 Manchester 17 2 4
Bloom & Wild is the UK’s HOW TO ENTER 17 Newport 3
most-loved online florist. Name: 18 Rolleston 5
Answer the following question 19 Sheffield
They invented letterbox for your chance to win: 23 20
Address: 20 Southampton
flowers to make sending On page 15 we told you about 21 Suffolk (Ipswich) 9
beautiful blooms easier three kittens rehomed by Blue 22 Thirsk 24
and more delightful. Cross. What were their names? 23 Tiverton
(Please tick) 24 Torbay
So their flowers are the freshest
you’ll find, they pick and send Mary, Mango and Midge
them in bud. This means you’ll Mary, Mungo and Millie
get to watch them bloom and Mary, Mungo and Midge
enjoy their beauty for seven days
Fill in your name and contact
Say hello, find your nearest Blue Cross or make a donation
(or more).
details and post to: *
Their florists hand-pack every box Call: 0300 790 9903 Email: info@bluecross.org.uk Visit: bluecross.org.uk
Freepost BLUE CROSS FOR PETS
with gorgeous seasonal stems. Postcode: Write to us: Freepost BLUE CROSS FOR PETS
To protect them on their travels, Or, enter online at
delicate blooms are wrapped in bluecross.org.uk/forpets Telephone: Book a free education talk
petal protectors. And every bunch Closing date Friday 11 October 2019 Animal welfare and responsible pet ownership workshops for
is sent with fun arranging tips! *Strictly one entry per household. Email: children and young people in schools, youth groups and clubs.
But the best bit? How posties can
Call: 0300 111 8950 Visit: bluecross.org.uk/education
deliver them through the door
when no one’s home. Deborah Reed, Julie Matthews and Dave Whitlock are the winners of three 12kg bags of
Burns Duck & Potato food in our spring 2019 For Pets competition. Congratulations!
Pet Bereavement Support Service
And as many flowers can pose Blue Cross respects your privacy and will keep your information safe and secure and will only use it in Free and confidential support for anyone coping
a risk to our four-legged friends, accordance with our Privacy Policy. We will not sell, rent or share your personal data with other organisations for with the loss of a pet, for any reason.
their marketing purposes. We may use your data for profiling purposes to make future communications more
Bloom & Wild has worked with relevant to you. To see more about how we will use your information visit bluecross.org.uk/privacy Call: 0800 096 6606. Lines open every day,
Blue Cross vets to highlight a *You can change your preferences at any time by contacting our Supporter Care Team on 0300 790 9903 or 8.30am to 8.30pm.
range of pet-friendly florals. email info@bluecross.org.uk
Email: pbssmail@bluecross.org.uk
34 For Pets bluecross.org.uk 35We’re a
charity
tha
been h t has
elping
sick, in
jured a
“Remember me homele nd
ss pets
since 18
97
in your Will” Title:
First name:
If pets have a place in your heart, please
Surname:
find a place for them in your Will. A gift
in your Will can help secure the future for Address:
thousands of pets.
Order your FREE information pack on making or
amending a Will and leaving a gift to Blue Cross
online at bluecross.org.uk/gift-your-will
Or complete the coupon and send to:
Freepost BLUE CROSS FOR PETS
Postcode:
Alternatively, call or email and quote: B219
Telephone: 0300 777 1757
Telephone:
Email: legacy@bluecross.org.uk
B219
bluecross.org.uk/gift-your-will Thank you for your continued support.
Blue Cross is a charity registered in England and Wales (224392) and in Scotland (SC040154). *From time
to time we may wish to communicate with you by phone with news about the pets you are helping and
ways you can help in the future. If you are happy for us to do this, please fill in your details above.You can also read
