Not all animals found in care are damaged or hard to train. Many simply need a new home. Nicola Scott investigates
The adored and adopted Itsy Bitsy
Lola, a six-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier, was found alone in an empty flat. She’d been there for two weeks, abandoned by her previous owners when they moved out. A neighbour discovered Lucy (a tiny kitten around five weeks old) when she heard faint meowing coming from a black bin bag stuffed in a hedge. No one knew how long she’d been there, but it was during last year’s cold snap when temperatures dropped to -7°C.
The stories of animals being dumped, beaten and starved to death are sadly all too common. Every year animals are neglected, abandoned and left to die – according to the RSPCA the numbers run into tens of thousands.
However, despite the stories of cruelty and suffering not all animals find themselves in rescue because their previous owners abused them.
On the contrary, many are much loved and cared for but due to unforeseen circumstances have to be given up.
“A lot of our animals end up coming to us because of a marriage breakdown or other life-changing event. It’s heartbreaking,” says Donna Yerby, chair of Animal Rescue and Care (ARC). “Most of these animals aren’t aggressive or hard to handle. They’re simply missing their family and need a new loving owner to take care of them.”
It’s a sad reality that rescue animals are often overlooked for fear of being damaged or untrainable. But check out the Oldies Club, for example, and you’ll find a lot of sweet-natured dogs who are there simply because their owner has either passed away, gone into care or has had to move somewhere where dogs aren’t allowed. They may not be puppies, but they’re house trained, used to domestic life and could give you years of good times, love and devotion.
Equally, adopting an older cat can be just as rewarding and doesn’t automatically mean taking on medical issues.
“We adopted Itsy Bitsy from a neighbour who was moving to Kuwait,” says Sally McGraw. “She was nearly 10 so it took a bit more time to build up trust, but once it was there what we got back was priceless. She was so full of character, hardly a day went by without her making us smile. We feel very grateful that she was in our lives for nearly eight years giving us so many fabulous memories.”
So if you’re looking to welcome a pet into your home this year, perhaps consider rescuing or adopting first. Before you start looking, ask yourself a few questions: what are you after? A dog that’s used to family chaos/prefers a quiet life or isn’t fussed about cats? A lap cat that can take any amount of belly rubs? Or something smaller that’s low maintenance? You might find your perfect pet isn’t what or where you expected it to be.
I recently recovered three gorgeous rats (ARC is currently fostering them) following their castrations. They’re friendly, funny and affectionate and for the right owner would make great pets. They’re called Biscuit, Gabriel and Frodo if you’re interested?
Rescue resources
Wylo and Taco from Animal Rescue and Care (ARC)
Animal Rescue and Care (ARC)
Rescues and rehomes animals in the Richmond upon Thames area.
- animalrescueandcare.org.uk; 07443 525 243
The Celia Cross Greyhound Trust
Greyhound rescue in Guildford.
- celiacross.co.uk; 01483 222 832
Hounslow Animal Welfare Society (HAWS)
Fosters cats and small furries.
- haws-animals.org.uk; 02085 605 443
Oldies Club
Nationwide charity helping old dogs find new homes.
- oldies.org.uk; general enquiries email: oldies@oldies.org.uk; 08445 868 656
Dogs Blog
An online resource for would-be owners looking for a rescue dog.
Rabbit Rescue Residence
Based in Herts but will deliver bunnies to homes up to three hours’ away.
Fancy fostering?
Lavender from Hounslow Animal Welfare Society (HAWS)
Rescue charities need fosterers – most couldn’t operate without them. Their role is crucial and the benefits to the animals can never be underestimated. It gives them every chance of adoption by getting them used to being around other pets, people and unfamiliar surroundings.
It’s good for animals that don’t cope well in shelters, and ultimately allows the charity to take in more pets in need of rehoming. It also gives the charity time to assess the animal’s needs and to see they’re rehomed with the right owners.
For the fosterer it’s incredibly rewarding and has all the benefits of pet ownership without the long-term commitment and financial responsibilities. The charity covers vet bills and the animal will stay with you until they find them a forever home.
Animal rescue charities rely heavily on donations and the help of volunteers to continue their work. If you can help in any way, either by becoming a fosterer or volunteer, please contact ARC, HAWS, and Oldies Club above for more details.
You can check out another petacular piece by clicking here
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