Tails | Summer 2021

Issue 14 I Summer 2021 I themayhew.org

In this issue...

Protect your pet from theft Paws up for the microchip!

Living their best life: tips for keeping dogs and cats healthy

SUMMER 2021

Front cover photo of Mayhew rescue Claude relaxing in his new home. Credit: Alissa Johnson.

Our vision

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

Our mission

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

Editor: Shelley Warnaby shelley@mayhewanimalhome.org Design: arc, www.arc-cs.com

Many thanks to our contributors and photographers: Charlie Care, Jess Feehan, Audrey Granger, Sarah Hastelow, Alissa Johnson, Marie Claire Macintosh, Pooch & Pineapple, Natassja Yoxall. Stock photography © iStockphoto.com, shutterstock.com, stock.adobe.com, unsplash.com.

Printed on 100% recycled paper. Please pass on to a friend and recycle after reading.

Contact us

@

info@mayhewanimalhome.org 0208 962 8000

Mayhew, Trenmar Gardens, Kensal Green, London, NW10 6BJ themayhew.org

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @themayhew Registered charity number: 1077588 VAT number: 820 4030 87

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Taking care of your pets

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ello and welcome to your summer issue of Tails magazine!

It’s been a promising year so far for animal welfare supporters, with government taskforces established to tackle two issues that are very important to us here at Mayhew: pet theft and microchipping for cats. Perhaps you’ve seen the headlines about petnapping and are wondering how to keep your dog or cat safe – if so, turn to page 10 for our expert advice. And if you’re a cat owner whose moggy isn’t yet microchipped, read all about the benefits and the upcoming Animal Welfare Bill on page 19.

With the focus on responsible pet ownership, we talked to staff at our Community Vet Clinic about maintaining a healthy lifestyle, sharing top tips for pet weight loss and a balanced diet on page 16. Unsurprisingly, an easy fix for pups who need to lose some pounds is exercise! You may already have a favourite, but on page 20 you’ll find our pick of the best dogwalking spots in the UK to get those bodies moving.

We wish every pet had a loving owner to take care of them, but sadly every day cats and dogs come through our doors terrified, sick or injured and in desperate need of help. If you’re able to offer even a little to support our work, it would make a world of difference – just use the cover sheet included with this issue or visit mayhew.org/donate to give animals like Dyson (see page 7) a second chance. Thank you.

Contents 04

Mayhew news

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16

In their shoes: Cat Adoption Officer

Managing your pet’s diet

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19

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Guest chat: Miranda Richardson

Keeping your pet safe from theft

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An abandoned Pomeranian gets second chance

The importance of cat microchipping

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Supporting pet owners when crises hit

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Great British dog walks

14

Mayhew International

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Your letters

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NEWS

SUMMER 2021

Exciting changes at Mayhew

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ayhew has started 2021 with some big changes in the leadership of our domestic and international work, which will enable both to go from strength to strength! After 14 years as CEO, Caroline Yates took up a new position with Mayhew: Head of International Projects and Relations. You can read more about Caroline’s new role on page 14. While we undertake recruitment for Caroline’s replacement, we are incredibly excited to welcome Howard Bridges as Interim CEO. Howard brings extensive experience from his work as CEO for a number of animal welfare organisations and will support the team to adapt to the changing needs of our dogs, cats and communities as we move out of the pandemic.

“I feel privileged to be leading Mayhew into an exciting period of opportunity post-pandemic. It’s an honour to be involved with one of London’s most respected animal welfare charities, known for serving dogs, cats and communities for 135 years.” Howard Bridges, Interim CEO

Reflecting on an unforgettable year

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ayhew’s annual review for 2020 is here! Head to themayhew.org/making-an-impact to read about how we adapted to the challenges of the pandemic and responded to the animals and people who needed us, and the impact this work has made.

The events and consequences of 2020 will never be forgotten, and we’ve reflected on everything we learned during this monumental year. The review includes a special message from our Patron, The Duchess of Sussex, who said, “We may have been forced apart, but we found new ways to be close and to support each other through this shared crisis. For many of us, this was made all the easier with our pets by our side.” We couldn’t agree more!

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WIN

Updates from our Community Vet Clinic

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ur vet clinic is currently working hard to meet the increased demand for neutering after a rise in the number of new pet owners and a reduction in available veterinary services over the last year. Dog neutering restarted in April and the clinic has been inundated with enquiries.

Meanwhile, our Vet team is working with our Animal Welfare team to focus on cat neutering, targeting the huge numbers of ferals and strays through our Trap, Neuter, Return programme and reaching out to those pet owners most in need through Pick & Snip.

Check our website for vet clinic service updates: themayhew.org/ community-vet-clinic.

A novel dedication to Mayhew

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e were thrilled to hear that bestselling author Jane Fallon has dedicated her new book, Worst. Idea. Ever., to “the wonderful staff of Mayhew for their tireless work with animals”. Jane and her partner Ricky Gervais are long-standing supporters and we are honoured that our work has been recognised in this way.

The book is a razor-sharp tale of friendship and secrets which quickly entered the Sunday Times Top 5, and we have a signed hardback copy to give away to one lucky reader! Simply email tails@mayhewanimalhome.org, giving your full name and address, to be in with a chance of winning.* *T&Cs: themayhew.org/prize-draw.

Supporting our community with TheraPaws®

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heraPaws dogs Luna and Roobarb brightened the day of staff at London’s Charing Cross Hospital recently with cuddles and lots of super supportive tail wagging. As restrictions ease, we very much hope to restart all of our regular TheraPaws visits to care homes, hospitals and adolescent mental health units across the capital.

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SUMMER 2021

Guest chat: Miranda Richardson

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ward-winning actress Miranda Richardson, who starred in Blackadder, The Crying Game, Damage and Tom & Viv, is a lifelong animal lover.

She is focused on raising awareness for animal welfare and supports many initiatives to improve the lives of animals, both domestic and wild. We spoke to her to find out more.

My sister was passionate about Mayhew, even though she lived on the other side of London. In her will, she asked that people make donations to Mayhew, alongside other charities, on her behalf.

You’ve kindly donated a collection of paintings for us to auction (details below) - thank you! Could you tell us a little more about the artwork?

Some of the pieces belonged to my sister and are various depictions of cats that she liked. I think the watercolours were painted by a family friend who, like my sister, was very keen on cats. I bought her the picture with the two cats, one of whom is washing itself, or “playing the cello” as my mum always called it!

Do you have any pets of your own?

Why do you support Mayhew?

Unfortunately, not a day goes by without some animal welfare nightmare rearing its head and I think I’ve been aware of that from an early age. Mayhew does amazing work and gives a second chance to animals.

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I’m now back up to my regular four-pet household, comprising two German shorthaired pointers (Noomi, 3, and Louis, a very fit 11) and two cats. I’ve inherited my sister’s two Burmese cats, Daphne and Chloe, who came to me just before the first lockdown and are now accustomed to the dogs and the garden and all my fish in the pond!

How has the past year been for you?

In truth, despite the awfulness, the first lockdown was somewhat miraculous with the chance to reconnect with nature, to feel the clear air in London, experience the quiet and take time to do the small things. Walking my dogs was, more than ever, a real tonic.

Which acting role do you think is closest to the real you?

I couldn’t possibly call that one! We’re all a mix of so many things. I did once play a woman who turned into a cat and that made me quite happy – I find it’s much trickier being human.

A pawsome auction

The collection donated by Miranda – a must-see for any cat lover – is being auctioned online until 9 July at 12pm. All money raised will go towards helping fund our vital services for animals and the community. To check out the artwork and place your bid, visit ebay. co.uk/usr/mayhewanimalhome.

An abandoned Pomeranian gets a second chance

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arlier this year, a member of the public spotted Pomeranian cross Dyson wandering alone down the middle of a busy London road. He seemed lost and extremely scared, but luckily the woman managed to pick him up and bring him to Mayhew, where our Animal Welfare Officers (AWOs) immediately admitted him.

During the intake examination, we discovered that Dyson had no collar or microchip. As we checked him over it was clear he was in a really bad state: he was emotionally shut down and incredibly wary, and his coat was severely matted, with faeces stuck all around his rear end. Our AWOs suspected that poor Dyson had been used for breeding and had possibly escaped or was thrown out as he was no longer of use.

We settled Dyson into a warm and cosy kennel and made sure he felt safe and secure; he was visibly nervous and we needed to build up his trust before our vets took a closer look at him. Our Kennels team watched over him around the clock, slowly trying to bring him out of his shell. Staff spoke softly to him, gently stroked him and fed him by hand.

As Maria Markey, our Head of Kennels, explains: “When Dyson arrived, he was extremely worried. It was important that we helped him settle in at his own pace, allowing us to develop a bond so that he could feel comfortable and able to trust us.”

Once Dyson had become more familiar with us and his surroundings, we admitted him to our vet clinic for a more thorough health check and clipped off his heavily matted fur. Over the next few weeks, our Kennels team developed an individual care plan to help build Dyson’s confidence and lower any anxiety and stress. He had daily grooming sessions to make his coat healthier and we slowly introduced him to walks on a lead and harness, with which he seemed to be unfamiliar.

It became clear that Dyson was playful and sociable at heart and that he loved his toys

and being with our team. He opened up a little more each day and soon became known inside Mayhew as a sweet and affectionate boy. As time went by, he was unrecognisable from the dirty, shell-shocked dog we first encountered.

Although we tried to locate a previous owner, no one came forward to claim him, and after almost two months in our care we knew he was ready for rehoming.

Dyson was soon matched with an adopter and has now left Mayhew to start life in his new home. His new owner is continuing to work on his care plan and told us that he is “an amazing little dog”. We’re so happy for Dyson and wish him all the best!

At Mayhew, we will never give up on dogs like Dyson, no matter how much time, care or hard work it takes. Can you help us give them a second chance? Please turn to the cover sheet included with your copy of Tails or head to themayhew.org/ donate to find out how you can support our work.

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SUMMER 2021

In their shoes T

his issue we’re spending a day in the shoes of our pawsome Cat Adoption Officer Matt Pearson.

Matt does a fantastic job of finding wonderful new homes for all of our feline residents, and so far this year 125 cats and kittens have headed off to new families. We find out more about his varied and fulfilling role.

Hea themay d to h cats to ew.org/ m rescue eet our kittens cats and looking for a forever home!

What does your role involve?

I process applications and interview potential adopters, as well as offering advice, support and guidance to help people pre- and post-adoption on catrelated queries. I try and spend time socialising with our cats and take photos for their profiles on our website. When I interview people who are looking to rehome, I need to assess their ability to look after a cat and provide them with a happy home – you need to put emotion aside.

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How did you become Mayhew’s Cat Adoption Officer?

Cats have always been a part of my life and I can even remember when I was around four sleeping curled up on the sofa with Dusty, our first family cat. I’ve had eight cats, including three adopted from Mayhew. I always wanted to work with animals but only had the chance later in life when I became a seasonal zookeeper. When the role at Mayhew came up I seemed a good fit, and I think my degree in journalism and creative

writing helped as I was happy chatting with people and writing cat profiles for the website.

Favourite – and least favourite – part of the job?

For me, the best part of the job is when someone wants that older cat who no one else wants. The least favourite part is having to tell people they are not suitable; however, mostly that involves helping them realise what a cat truly needs, as some

Mews from the cattery FIV+ boy Lenny has clearly hit the

people think all cats are the same and just need food and a lap to sit on!

jackpot and is settled in his new home, where he surveys the views across London from his glass ‘lookout’ by the docks. His new owners told us: “He has been eating and exploring the flat and he’s also showing us his playful nature too.” Well, Lenny, it’s time to sit back and enjoy the spoils of victory, watching over your new kingdom!

Any advice for those hoping to work for an animal charity?

Find out what you’re interested in and try to get involved as young as possible. So many people want to work with animals and it’s very competitive, but if you’re helping an organisation you believe in, people will see you are dedicated to the cause.

It’s important to realise that in an animal charity not all roles involve you working directly with animals. Even as Cat Adoption Officer I deal mostly with humans, so communication and rapport with people is key.

(The) Riddler arrived at Mayhew

after he was found as a stray (or, as he tells it, after having a skirmish with Batman). Jokes aside, Riddler’s a sweet, friendly little boy who welcomes the quiet life – less comic crusading and more home comforts, which is exactly what he has found. He’s now happily settled in a new home and spending “80% of his day on the windowsills watching the world go by and laying in the sun”. Go, Riddler!

Have there been any really memorable cats?

Definitely! There was three-legged Lavender, who was returned to us once and then found a home with a lovely older couple. Sadly, four years later they both passed away and she was back with us again. It was third time lucky, however, and she found a home with friends of one of our vets. There was also Aslan, a Norwegian forest cat who was abandoned in our reception and was grumpy with everyone except me, so at first I was the only one who could handle him! Other memorable residents were Jemima Puddleduck, with her duck-like miaow and wonky leg, and Stoney, a big classic tabby-and-white tom who was a bruiser nobody wanted. He needed a home out of the city and was with us for ages until we finally found him his country pile.

Recent resident The Colonel

is a real heartbreaker – a handsome boy with a moustache and a sweet nature. What’s not to love? Luckily, he’s found a lovely new home where he’s now settling in. Apparently, he did pee in the flowerpot but otherwise has been very well behaved!.

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SUMMER 2021

Keeping your pet safe from theft

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fficially, 2020 was the Chinese year of the rat; in the animal rescue world, however, it was the year of the ‘lockdown pet’.

Between forced furlough and working from home, many people felt it was the perfect opportunity to welcome a furry family member. At Mayhew, we received

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almost 3,000 adoption applications from April 2020 onwards, and research revealed that around 3.2 million households nationwide had become pet owners since the beginning of the pandemic.* Prices for puppies in particular soon skyrocketed – from £500 to £2,000 for some breeds – and it wasn’t long before thieves caught on.

Reported statistics for pet theft vary, but UK charity DogLost estimates a 250% rise in dog thefts since March

2020, with spaniels, poodle mixes, French bulldogs and other popular breeds all at greater risk. In May 2021, the government launched a taskforce to tackle the problem at a national level, but for individual pet owners commonsense precautions remain the best form of prevention – so we spoke to Adoption Officer Lisa Guiney and Animal Welfare Officer Tania Mazzoni about advice for keeping your pet safe. *Pet Food Manufacturers Association, March 2021.

international

What about cats?

Although the numbers are smaller, pedigree cats and kittens are also a target for thieves, particularly desirable breeds such as Bengals.

Keep your cat safe with the same measures used for dogs: neuter, microchip and check that your home and garden are secure (PetProtect fencing is great for indoor/outdoor cats). For safety reasons, we don’t recommend that cats wear collars (see page 19), but if you do want to use one, make sure it has a breakaway clasp and no elastic.

When you are on the move, our experts recommend a mix of personal safety measures and basic canine training.

Under the Theft Act 1968,

pets are classed as personal property and their theft carries a maximum prison sentence of seven years. In October 2020, a petition calling for the devastating emotional impact of pet theft to be acknowledged by making it a separate offence triggered a debate in parliament, and Home Secretary Priti Patel has since said that the case is mounting for a change in the law.

Protect your pet

First thing’s first: is your pet neutered and microchipped? If so, you’re off to a great start say Lisa and Tania. A traceable animal that isn’t able to be used for breeding is less likely to be a target, so including those details on your pet’s ID tag (legally required for dogs) along with a contact number may act as a deterrent. Leave off your pet’s name, though, as this information can be used to lure friendly animals and fool potential buyers.

At home, a working alarm system, security lights and even CCTV can all provide peace of mind, while video doorbells are a relatively cheap and easy way to monitor who’s coming and going. According to the Kennel Club, 52% of dogs are stolen from gardens, so make sure your fencing is secure and gates are locked, and never leave your pup unsupervised.

• Keep your dog close: train your pup to walk to heel and have reliable recall if walking off-lead.

A long lead can be useful for exploring unfamiliar places.

• Try not to walk your dog at night and avoid poorly lit or secluded areas; if possible, walk with a family member or friend rather than on your own.

• Mix up the route and timing of your daily walks – your dog will enjoy the variety and you’ll make it harder for thieves to predict your whereabouts.

• Be aware of your surroundings, including strangers asking questions about your dog, and consider carrying a panic alarm for emergencies.

• Never leave your dog unattended, whether that’s tied up outside a shop or in your car.

• Consider an anti-theft dog lead or harness such as PetLoc, or a security attachment. There are also GPS pet-tracking devices available.

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SUMMER 2021

Think before you post!

It’s hard to imagine a time before social media, but our love of sharing is making pet theft easier.

“People share pictures of their dogs and puppies […] and very often haven’t got their privacy settings set correctly,” Detective Superintendent Neil Austin from the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s acquisitive crime unit told The Guardian in February. Be mindful of how much information you’re revealing when you post or comment, especially if your account is public; blur out any identifying details like pet ID tags, house numbers or street names in photos; and if you’re somewhere new, leave tagging locations till you’re home.

What to do if your pet is stolen

• Report it to the police: if the theft is currently taking place dial 999; otherwise, call 101 and request a crime reference number (CRN).

• Inform your microchip company: ask them to mark your pet as stolen on their database and ensure all your details are correct.

• Alert local authorities: get in touch with vets, rescues and your area’s animal warden in case your pet is handed in.

• Put up posters: include a contact number and photograph of your pet along with their name, sex, microchip and neuter status, identifying features and the date they were stolen.

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• Register with missing pet websites: online forums such as Pets Located, DogLost and the National Pet Register allow users to easily report and search for lost or stolen animals nationwide.

• Use social media: post information to local Facebook groups and the Nextdoor app, and use relevant hashtags to spread the word on Twitter and Instagram.

• Scan free ad websites: keep an eye on Gumtree, Preloved, Pets4Homes, Dragon Driving and other places where pets are advertised for sale.

Supporting pet owners when crises hit

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t Mayhew, we try our hardest to keep people and their pets together, and this can mean offering extra support to those going through a temporary crisis. For the individuals who need it, our Pet Refuge programme is a lifeline.

There are many reasons why people request our service, and every crisis situation is assessed by our team, but often it is because a pet owner is in desperate need of hospital treatment and has no one to ask for help. We step in to look after pets for short periods of time and make sure that every animal admitted to us through Pet Refuge receives the best possible care for the duration of the crisis, so owners can get the care they need knowing that their dog or cat is in safe hands.

Jacqueline’s story

For Jacqueline, a series of extremely unfortunate events led her to entrust us with her three beloved cats – Vince, Violet and Tegan – for almost three months at the beginning of this year.

After undergoing multiple surgeries on an arthritic knee, Jacqueline was urgently admitted to an intensive care unit with sepsis, a life-threatening condition. Her neighbour was able to visit and feed her cats, taking a weight off her mind for the first couple of weeks; however, when Jacqueline was discharged into a rehabilitation centre to recover, her neighbour caught Covid-19 and was no longer able to leave her house.

With nobody close by to check on Vince, Violet and Tegan, and Jacqueline not yet ready to return home, she was understandably worried about their welfare.

Her care team thankfully found Mayhew’s Pet Refuge programme and when they got in touch we were more than happy to help.

Road to recovery – and reunion

Jacqueline unfortunately had a few more roadblocks to navigate before they could all be reunited. A few days before she was due to be discharged, she caught Covid-19 herself and had to extend her stay at the rehabilitation centre until she and her fellow patients and staff were given the all clear.

Throughout Jacqueline’s ordeal, Vince, Violet and Tegan were safe and happy

together at Mayhew. After two and half months, we were thrilled to hear that Jacqueline had recovered from Covid-19 and was once again preparing to be discharged from hospital. Luck was on her side this time, as she finally made it home and was reunited with her beloved cats at long last.

“I don’t know what would have happened without your help,” Jacqueline told us. “I probably would have had to rehome them all, and that would have been absolutely heartbreaking. My cats are my reason for living and they gave me the determination to get better and walk again. I don’t know what I’d do without them.”

Jacqueline is still receiving rehabilitation at home and we’ve helped arrange for a cat sitter to provide extra support for a couple of weeks. With her four-legged best friends back by her side, she already feels better than ever and credits Pet Refuge with helping her get back to health.

Find out more about Pet Refuge at themayhew.org/community-support/ pet-refuge.

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Mayhew International updates

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Increasing our impact overseas

At the end of March, after 14 years as Mayhew’s CEO, Caroline Yates took up a new role as Head of International Projects and Relations. This is an area that Caroline is particularly passionate about and she will be working with existing teams in Afghanistan and Georgia to build on our successes and increase our impact in improving animal welfare overseas. Caroline commented: “I’m incredibly excited to have the opportunity to create and implement the vision to elevate our international efforts and build upon the exceptional work that our teams have been doing for many years.”

If you would like to find out more about our work overseas and ways to support us, drop us a line at international@mayhewanimalhome.org.

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Afghanistan

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Safer and healthier lives for freeroaming dogs

Rescued!

At the end of April, our team in Afghanistan completed the third year of our mass rabies vaccination programme in Kabul.

An incredible 71,885 dogs have been vaccinated against rabies over three cycles, and our post-vaccination surveys show we have reached our target of vaccinating a minimum of 70% of the dog population in each of the 16 districts in the capital. We’ve now begun the fourth year of the programme and will be targeting some particular hotspots in Kabul, areas which have recently expanded as a result of people – and dogs – migrating to the capital.

This young free-roaming dog had fallen deep into a well in District 13 but fortunately was rescued by our team, who happened to be working nearby. Dr Jawid lowered himself into the well and, armed with a dogcatching pole and net to facilitate safe retrieval, managed to pull the dog out.

The shocked but lucky pup was then vaccinated and taken by our team to the ABC Centre for neutering.

Our team has also made fantastic progress with our Trap, Vaccinate, Neuter, Return (TVNR) programme: we have neutered 5,121 dogs at our Animal Birth Control (ABC) Centre so far this year, and more than 18,000 dogs since the centre opened in July 2019!

Community outreach

Our community engagement programme is a vital part of our work in Kabul, with presentations at local schools and community groups ensuring that residents understand how to stay safe around street dogs. So far this year we’ve reached 378 children and 112 adults through our programme, and Surveyor and Community 14 I

Engagement Officer Dr Jawid has observed a change in attitudes to dogs: local children are now bonding with street dogs and helping our vaccination teams find dogs hiding in buildings or dugouts.

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On the road with Mayhew Georgia

ayhew Georgia has had a great start to 2021, and by early June Dr Ana and the team have neutered and vaccinated 598 free-roaming and community-owned dogs under our Trap, Vaccinate, Neuter, Return (TVNR) programme.

Moving into the regions

With the TVNR programme running smoothly in Tbilisi, we were conscious of the need to expand outside the capital, where there have been very few interventions to help local communities tackle concerns around free-roaming dogs.

Following some successful pilot visits last year, Mayhew Georgia is now delivering its TVNR programme with mobile vet clinic Doggie Doc in several towns and villages in the Kakheti region of Georgia. As the harsh Georgian winter ended and some of the Covid-19 restrictions were eased, Mayhew Georgia and the mobile clinic team have been able to hit the road and resume their vital work. Having carried out a basic count of the number of free-roaming and community dogs in the region, the team’s first focus area has been the town of Sighnaghi and the surrounding villages.

Heading to Sighnaghi

Days on the road for the mobile clinic start early as the team loads up all the equipment needed for full days of

neutering and vaccination. Local volunteers have prepared the community for our visit and they are ready to bring dogs to the place where the mobile clinic has set up shop. With one surgeon working out of the vehicle and a second from a pop-up table close by, both aided by assistants, the team aims to neuter between 40 and 50 dogs over the two-day visit. All the dogs receive a rabies vaccination and another against the most common canine infectious diseases.

After packing up on the second day, it is then back to Tbilisi before the current Covid-19 curfew hours start.

Making great progress

Our team has so far made five trips to Sighnaghi and the surrounding villages and been able to neuter and vaccinate 232 free-roaming dogs. The plan now is for the mobile clinic to travel out to the regions every two weeks, and we look forward to sharing our team’s progress over the coming months.

We’re very grateful for the support of the Marchig Animal Welfare Trust for helping to make this project possible.

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We are really pleased to expand beyond Tbilisi and reach out to help the dogs and communities outside the capital with these mobile clinic services. In some of the smaller towns and villages there is little or no veterinary provision, so this service is a lifeline.

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Caroline Yates, Head of International Projects and Relations

A lost and lonely kitten

The tiny three-week-old kitten pictured above was found all alone on the streets of Tbilisi. Luckily, an animal-loving passer-by spotted her and brought her straight into our care. Dr Ana fostered her for a few days while we found her a permanent home, and as soon as she’s old enough this sweet little girl will be back to the New Vet Clinic to be neutered and have her vaccinations.

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SUMMER 2021

Managing your pet’s diet

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ike us, our pets need to have a healthy, balanced lifestyle for optimum wellbeing, so ensuring they have the right diet and are kept close to their ideal body weight is essential. Registered Veterinary Nurse Amy from our Community Vet Clinic gives the lowdown on feeding cats and dogs and what to do if your pet isn’t quite on the right track.

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A balanced diet

A complete pet food diet will provide all the nutrients your animal needs to maintain a healthy lifestyle. It is made up of different qualities and quantities of protein, fat, carbohydrate and fibre, as well as water and inorganic matter such as ash. You’ll find key ingredients and a nutritional breakdown included on the packaging.

Speciality versus life stage

Speciality diets are formulated for pets who have been diagnosed with a disease or condition that can be helped by an adapted diet. A speciality diet should be prescribed by your vet and the nutritional

composition will be designed to provide the best ratio of key ingredients, plus added vitamins and minerals, to support your animal’s health.

Unless your pet is required to be on a speciality diet, a life-stage diet is the best option: it’s formulated and adapted to support them as they grow and will alter as they get older. It is especially important that puppies and kittens are fed a diet appropriate to their age group, and dog owners should also make sure they’re feeding the right diet for the breed of puppy they have, as larger breeds will need additional nutritional supplements. Always consult the guide on the packet to ensure

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pets? Cats a obligate ca re rnivores an d m fed a diet t ust be hat include s the anim protein tau al rine. Dogs , however, omnivores are so could ha ve a balanc vegetarian ed diet, but on ly on the advice of a veterin ary nutritionis t.

Not all calories are equal

Be careful with those human treats: some of our food is toxic to pets, while other nibbles will be laden with calories and contribute to weight gain.

FEEDING YOUR DOG

A piece of buttered toast

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A portion of French fries

FEEDING YOUR CAT

you’re feeding the correct amount for your pet’s age group and weight.

Home-made and raw food

Home-made pet food diets, particularly raw feeding, are becoming increasingly popular with pet owners. If this is something you would like to explore, we advise doing so with the help of a certified veterinary nutritionist.

A few pet food brands are now producing complete and balanced raw food diets, which is a great place to start.

The majority of allergies in pets are caused by animal proteins or environmental factors such as pollen or dust. Contrary to popular belief, grain allergies among cats and dogs are quite rare and you should only feed a grain-free diet if you have had the allergy confirmed. A food trial completed with the help of your vet is the best way to establish if your pet has any food allergies. If an allergy is found and a switch to a hypoallergenic diet recommended, this should be completed under their guidance.

A tin of tuna

35 chicken nuggets

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A complete pet food diet will provide all the nutrients your animal needs to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

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What about food allergies?

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Amy, Registered Veterinary Nurse

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SUMMER 2021

If your cat h as been pili ng on pounds, the y may be hav the second din ing a ner elsewhe re. Speak to your neig hbours to m ake sure they’re not fe cats are very eding them as good at acti ng as they’ve not eaten for day if s!

What if my pet is overweight?

If you have any concerns regarding your pet’s weight, the first thing you should do is take them to your veterinary practice for a general health check. If they could benefit from losing some weight or are heading into the overweight bracket, you may then be directed to a weight loss clinic with either a vet or vet nurse who will discuss the best options to help reduce their weight.

Of course, to be healthy, pets need to move, and if your pet is too heavy you will likely need to combine diet reduction with increased exercise. Search our advice hub for tips on keeping four legs moving and heart rates pumping: advice.themayhew.org.

It’s especially important to keep an eye on your pet’s weight as increased weight gain can lead to obesity, which is a serious health condition. Animals who are obese can have difficulty grooming themselves and may also go on to develop other issues such as arthritis, diabetes, poor dental health and reduced life expectancy.

There are a variety of weight loss diets available for cats and dogs and your vet practice will be able to advise you on what is best for your pet. They all consist of high protein and fibre to ensure your pet will feel fuller for longer and help reduce any begging. It’s very important that you stick to the recommended feeding guide for these diets to work. If you want to use treats for training and/or rewards, you can do this by weighing out 10% of their daily food allowance and using that instead (remember to reduce their meals accordingly).

If you’re concerned about your pet’s health or weight, or are considering altering their diet, always speak to your vet before making any changes.

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Our friends at Burns Pet Nutrition are here to help

If you suspect your dog is overweight, you’re not alone. Dog weight loss is quickly becoming a hot-button issue that’s affecting more and more owners, with sadly nearly 60% of dogs in the UK now overweight.

To get your pet back on the right path, small changes can make a big difference.

If your dog needs to lose a lot of weight in the healthiest way possible, your vet practice might recommend a food that has been specially created for doggy weight loss, such as the Weight Control range from Burns Pet Nutrition.

Burns also has a great support group for caring owners with free help and advice on managing your pet’s weight. The Hounds Dropping Pounds Facebook group (@HoundsDroppingPounds) is an informative, supportive and motivational group that’s staffed by a team of doggy nutritional experts, giving you everything you need to help your dog be as happy and healthy as possible.

The importance of cat microchipping is a safer Microchipping ble method of and more relia an a collar, which identification th e or may becom can often fall off te jure or suffoca too tight and in cially if , an animal espe they are lost.

W

hile the law has demanded compulsory dog microchipping in the UK since 2016, there is currently no equivalent legislation covering the microchipping of cats. Mayhew and fellow animal welfare charities have unanimously called for this to become an essential, not optional, part of responsible cat ownership, arguing that it would help to drastically reduce the number of lost and abandoned cats coming into rescue shelters every year.

At the start of 2021, we were pleased to hear that the government had opened a consultation into cat microchipping and, along with a handful of other organisations, made a series of recommendations.

Thankfully, a government taskforce was set up in response to the consultation, and in the Queen’s Speech in May the government committed to bringing in mandatory microchipping for cats in the upcoming revised Animal Welfare Bill later this year.

It is estimated that approximately 70% of cats already have a microchip, but we believe the true figure to be much lower. Of the 228 stray cats admitted to Mayhew in 2020, only 20 were microchipped, and of those 20, only 50% of the microchips listed

the owners’ details correctly. Here are the stories of three strays who came into our care.

which could quickly have turned cancerous if left untended. He needed surgery and treatment and it would have helped our team to have been able to contact his owner through a microchip to learn about his medical history and any pre-existing conditions. However, we’re delighted to report that Callum recovered well and is now settled with his forever family.

Graham

Graham was found lost, frightened and injured. We were certain he was a domestic cat as he wasn’t fearful of humans and indeed was very affectionate once he began recuperating. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts to locate an owner, without a microchip we weren’t able to find out who they were or if they were still looking for him.

Graham has since been happily rehomed.

Callum

When we rescued Callum, he had extensive sunburn on his ears and exposed skin,

Raven

Raven was found wandering by a member of the public, who brought him to Mayhew to get checked out. Luckily, we found a microchip and were able to contact his existing owner, who was delighted! Raven had been missing for 10 months, and even though his owner had since moved house, her email address on the microchip record was thankfully still correct.

Visit our Community Vet Clinic for low-cost microchipping

services. Our Vet team uses the smallest microchips available, which can be comfortably and safely administered in the consulting room.

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SUMMER 2021

Great British dog walks

T

here’s nothing better than getting outside in the fresh air for an adventure with your four-legged friend, and the UK has so many wonderful spots to enjoy together. From woodland strolls to coastal walks and historic house visits, here are our top picks!

ENGLAND – LONDON HAMPSTEAD HEATH

One of London’s largest green areas and the location of our popular Hounds on the Heath event. There are several hills to conquer and you’ll be rewarded with some of the best views in the city. You’ll also be sure to find lots of other dogs for your pup to socialise and play with.

WIMBLEDON COMMON

Over 1,000 acres of common land to explore with your pooch, including woodland, sandy tracks and grassy fields. Don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for the windmill – and maybe some Wombles!

WORMWOOD SCRUBS

This is one of the largest commons in London, with plenty of open space for your dog to tire themselves out. It’s also Mayhew’s favourite, so wave to our Dog Care team if you see them out and about with our rescue residents!

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ENGLAND – OUTSIDE THE CAPITAL LULWORTH COVE AND DURDLE DOOR (DORSET)

The natural limestone arch is among the most recognisable landmarks on the south coast, an area known for breathtaking views and challenging trails.

Well worth a visit for the combination of windswept clifftops, steep hills and golden beaches – make sure to keep your eye out for fossils in the sand.

NEWMILLERDAM COUNTRY PARK (YORKSHIRE) There are plenty of amazing walks to discover in Yorkshire and this beautiful country park just south of Wakefield is ideal for both short walks and longer yomps with your pup. Once part of the Pilkington family estate, the park is home to woodland, an arboretum and a lake complete with historic boathouse.

Llyn Padarn Circular

HOLT COUNTRY PARK (NORFOLK)

Explore 100 acres of mixed woodland on the Norfolk coast, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. All the walks around the park are circular, so you and your dog are free to ramble at your leisure without worrying about navigation.

LIZARD POINT COASTAL WALK (CORNWALL)

Situated at the most southerly tip of mainland Britain, the full trail is seven miles of fantastic cliffs, magnificent coastal views, enticing turquoise sea and demanding terrain. Along the way, you may even spot seals as they are common along these shores.

WALES LLYN PADARN CIRCULAR (GWYNEDD)

This 7.88km walk circles around Llanberis’ scenic lake and is a lesser-known, low-level trail in Snowdonia, which makes for a great adventure. You and your dog could also take a trip on the Llanberis Lake Railway to appreciate the views from a different angle!

ALLT YR ESGAIR CIRCULAR (POWYS)

Located in the Brecon Beacons National Park, this scenic 6km circular is a must-visit for any nature lover. Once you reach the top of the rocky knoll, you’ll enjoy panoramic views overlooking the River Usk as your reward.

SCOTLAND

OUR BEST OF THE REST

FARAID HEAD (NORTHWEST HIGHLANDS)

OXLEAS WOOD (LONDON, ENGLAND)

If your dog loves running through the surf and rolling in the sand, then this spectacular, far-stretching beach walk north of Durness is for you. Hailed as one of Scotland’s finest beaches, the shore has plenty of big sand dunes to climb and seabird colonies to spot along your way.

LINN PARK (GLASGOW)

For a more suburban Scottish adventure, take your pooch for a jaunt around Linn Park. There are a number of walking loops to choose from with a diverse range of wildlife and plants, as well as historical sights such as the old Snuffmill Bridge and the remains of Cathcart Castle.

A picturesque and peaceful woodland with one of the only remaining areas of ancient deciduous forest in the capital.

BRIGHTLING PARK FOLLY TRAIL (SUSSEX, ENGLAND)

Take a 5.5-mile walking tour of John ‘Mad Jack’ Fuller’s six follies and enjoy beautiful vistas of the North and South Downs.

CAT BELLS (CUMBRIA, ENGLAND)

One of our favourite dog walks in the Lake District, with stunning scenery and fantastic views of Keswick, Derwent Water and Borrowdale.

TOLLYMORE FOREST PARK (COUNTY DOWN, NORTHERN IRELAND)

Game of Thrones fans might like to take a walk through these woods and keep their eyes peeled for any orphaned direwolves!

THE QUIRAING WALK (ISLE OF SKYE, SCOTLAND) A must-see for any amateur photographers, this 6.8km walk has some of the most truly spectacular views in the UK.

NORTHERN IRELAND GIANT’S RING TRAIL AT MINNOWBURN (COUNTY DOWN)

On the southern edge of Belfast, you and your pooch will be treated to an array of woodland walks, wildlife and fabulous views across the Lagan Valley. Don’t miss the natural amphitheatre that was created by melting glaciers during the last Ice Age.

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SUMMER 2021

Your letters Judy Ozzy (was Pudding) Dear Lisa,

Ozzy is such a wonderful boy and we adore him. He’s settled very quickly and loves his creature comforts – at one point we noticed he was very quiet and found him on my mother-inlaw’s bed tossing the pillows around and getting himself comfy.

He snores so loudly we can hardly hear the telly at times!

Kind regards, Angela

In memory of Boo Dear Lisa,

I wanted to let you know about our beautiful Boo (Boadicea).

When we met Boo at Mayhew over eight years ago, she looked at me like she had known me forever. She was the most caring soul, loved the children and grandchildren, and had lots of doggie friends.

She suddenly started to have fits and our vets couldn’t get them under control. Eventually, we had to do what was kindest for her. I held her and told her to rest as we said goodbye.

Judy had been missing for three months when a member of the public spotted him. They alerted our Animal Welfare Officers who were able to catch him and trace his owners.

Dear Mayhew,

A big thank you for bringing our bundle of joy home. We were losing all hope of finding Judy and I’m very grateful to everyone at Mayhew for all your help. I’d like to say to people that lose their animals: never lose hope and never stop trying.

Maria

Piano (was Cassie) Dear Matt,

We wanted to send you a quick update on Piano.

She’s pretty fearless and races around the place like a little rocket. When she’s not exploring the garden, she loves nothing more than to curl up on our laps, purring away. We’re totally in love with her.

Thank you so much, Rachael and Claire

Thank you for bringing this beautiful soul into my life. I don’t know what I’m going to do without her.

Diana

Milo (Brave)

Milo was a three-month-old pup when he was adopted in 2019.

Hi Lisa,

Gatsby and Albert (Mushroom and Carrot) Hi Matt,

Gatsby and Albert have settled in so well and are both currently with me, asleep on my desk. They are such lovely little boys and I am very grateful to have been able to give them a home.

Kind regards, Teresa

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It’s Milo’s 2nd birthday today! He’s such a character and provides us with so much laughter. He’s spoiled rotten and has been nicknamed ‘momma’s boy’ as he will run past everyone and straight to me. He is a chewer of toys and won’t rest until nothing is left – the record for him to break a squeaky toy was under five minutes. In the end we gave up!

Patricia

Mill Lane Veterinary Surgery Advanced medical care for your pets Proud to support Mayhew Joshua Rusnak BVSc CertSAS MRCVS 68-70 Mill Lane London NW6 1NJ www.mill-lane-vet.com 020 7794 1777

New clinic now open: Alymer Parade Vet 17 Aylmer Parade London N2 0PH

Mayhew supporter and dog lover Sunil Beri sadly passed away earlier this year. Sunil was joined in life by his faithful friend and companion Chino, a Labrador whom he adored. Sunil’s friends and family decided to donate to Mayhew in his memory and raised over £5,000, which will be used to help animals in our care this summer.

Making a donation to Mayhew in memory of a loved one is a unique and personal way of ensuring their love for animals can continue to make a di�erence.

Make your Will For Good We have partnered with online will writing service Bequeathed, who are o�ering our supporters free expert/professional advice to help you write your will.* Find out more at bequeathed.org/mayhew. *There is no obligation to leave Mayhew a gift in your will.

Sunil Beri, 1954–2021

For 135 years we’ve been here for dogs, cats and pet owners in need.

Thank you for helping us to help them.

Find out how you can get involved at

themayhew.org.

Registered charity no. 1077588