Tails | Autumn 2021

Issue 15 I Autumn 2021 I themayhew.org

In this issue...

Helping cats in need A tribute to TheraPaws® dog Ciara Celebrating pets around the world

AUTUMN 2021

Helping animals and people Front cover photo of Mayhew rescue Jayda.

Credit: Pooch & Pineapple.

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-cs.com Many thanks to our contributors and photographers: Charlie Care, Jess Feehan, Graham Hilling, Francesca Palmacci, Keith Pattison, Anna Pickering, Pooch & Pineapple, Georgie Wishart, Natassja Yoxall.

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 Company limited by guarantee number: 3837732

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H

ello and welcome to your autumn issue of Tails magazine!

There’s something about this time of year that makes us want to take stock – perhaps memories of heading back to school and making sure we’ve got our pencil case in order! So this issue we’re focusing on what’s most important to us and bringing you several stories of the animals we’ve helped and the ways they’ve helped us in return.

On page 7, you’ll meet stray cat Ginger, whose playful nature persisted despite the toughest of experiences, while on page 9, read about Krusty, a kitty who certainly wouldn’t have survived without our intervention. Both went on to be stars of our cattery, winning hearts (and treats!) among our staff.

Similarly beloved was TheraPaw® dog and former Mayhew rescue Ciara, who we sadly lost this year. She receives a fitting tribute from her owner on page 6 and will be sorely missed.

We couldn’t continue to fight for animals like Ginger and Krusty, or to unite families with devoted companions like Ciara, without the support we receive from animal lovers like you.

And at this time of year, giving is even easier! Shop for your Christmas gifts with Mayhew and every penny you spend will go towards dogs, cats and communities in need. Just flip your magazine over to check out our 2021 Christmas Gift Guide now.

Contents 04

08

14

Mayhew news

Guest chat: Ben Miles

Mayhew International updates

9

16

Krusty, rescued just in time

Your letters

06 A tribute to Ciara

07

10

Vital surgery for an injured stray

Festival pets

12

24

Welcoming a new kitten to your home

Christmas Gift Guide

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AUTUMN 2021

NEWS Promoting responsible pet ownership

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ver summer and early autumn, our Animal Welfare Officers (AWOs) have been busy working with Westminster Council at events in local parks, offering advice for pet owners on everything from the importance of neutering to establishing good grooming routines and answering concerns such as to how best to protect against pet theft.

“These events have never been more needed than in 2021, with so many new pet owners in our community,” says Mayhew’s Head of Animal Welfare Zoe Edwards. “We’ve been able to meet residents face to face and work towards our goal of helping as many people as possible learn about responsible pet ownership.”

Nurse Clinics restarting

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e’re pleased to announce that appointments for weight and dental checks, dematting and nail clipping are now available at our Community Vet Clinic.

The sessions are run by our experienced Registered Veterinary Nurses and will initially be held on Thursday and Saturday afternoons from 2.30pm to 3.30pm. Call 020 8962 8017 or email vetclinic@mayhewanimalhome.org to book.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming pets back for our Nurse Clinics. Being able to help owners and animals with small tasks such as nail clips can really make such a big difference to an animal’s health and happiness.” Lucy Burman, Head Veterinary Nurse

Our Christmas Gift Guide is here!

Turn to the back pages of this issue of Tails for a fantastic selection of gifts for your two - and four-legged friends. Every purchase you make will help us continue our work to improve the lives of dogs, cats and communities at our Home in London and overseas. Happy shopping!

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Ready, steady… raise money for Mayhew!

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re you looking to take on a running event near you? If so, you could support our vital work at the same time!

Head to themayhew.org/run-local to choose your event and then register to raise funds for Mayhew. There’s no minimum fundraising target, all we ask is that you raise whatever you can – every penny makes a big difference to our work.

Events update A

lthough many restrictions have now lifted and life seems to be returning to a version of normal, at Mayhew we’ve made the difficult decision not to host any events until 2022. While we are eager to open our doors and welcome everyone back, we must ensure we keep our staff and supporters as safe as possible. We appreciate your ongoing support and look forward to seeing you again in the near future, when our events will be back with a bark!

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AUTUMN 2021

A tribute to Ciara

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arah Oubridge and her family adopted golden retriever Ciara from Mayhew in 2017. They spent three and a half happy, fun-filled years together before Ciara passed away this summer following a short illness. Here, Sarah pays tribute to their beautiful, loving and joyful friend.

In October 2017, we were so lucky to be chosen by Lisa [Mayhew’s Dog Adoption Officer] to adopt the beautiful Ciara. She was a ten-and-a-half-year-old ‘golden oldie’ and my first dog. I’d always had cats, but my husband and daughter pleaded for

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a dog. I agreed, but with some criteria: the dog had to be a rescue, it had to get on with kids and it had to tolerate cats. It was a tall order, but my luck must have been in as Ciara was the second dog we saw via Mayhew’s email alerts. I instantly fell in love with her, just from her photo, and when I emailed my husband Luke at work he responded: “Wow, yes!”

We applied to adopt and, after a rigorous application and interviews, were invited to meet Ciara at her foster home. We took our first walk together with her wonderful foster carer in a local park and I can honestly say it was absolute and total love at first sight.

That was over three and a half years ago and I can’t tell you how many thousands of times I’ve said her name. She brought so much joy, hilarity and love to our lives; she was adored by everyone who came into contact with her. She’s introduced me via our walks at the local cemetery to so many lovely friends, and she’s been a best friend to us all and a guardian to our cats.

She loved her ‘work’ as a TheraPaws® dog and together we visited the Mary Feilding

Guild, a care home in Highgate. As soon as she had her Mayhew jacket on with the purple lead, she knew exactly where she was going. When we arrived, she’d be off, trotting down the corridor, barely giving me a chance to sign in! She was adored by the staff and the residents equally and she’d greet everyone, tail wagging. There was one particular resident who we both bonded with, and when we got to the library we would all catch up with pats, treats and tales of our week.

Ciara was diagnosed with lymphoma in May and was placed under the care of an amazing palliative vet. At the end, Luke, my daughter Luella and I held hands around our dear friend, in the garden, and off our lovely Ciara went. A few moments later, the sun came out and lit up the sky.

Having never had a dog before in my life, I can’t tell you how blessed we feel to have had Ciara in our lives. We’ll keep her forever in our hearts and be forever grateful to her and to Mayhew.

Ciara, 11 April 2007–20 May 2021

Vital surgery for an injured stray

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hen seven-year-old stray cat Ginger came to us with a fractured hind leg, our vets had a tough decision on their hands.

It was unclear how Ginger came to injure his leg, or indeed when exactly it had happened, but looking at the X-ray, Mayhew vets could tell the fracture was incredibly complex and delicate and had clearly caused him a lot of pain while he was out on the streets. We were desperate to ease his suffering but had a choice to make.

Option one was surgery to attempt to fix and set the bone, which would require a lengthy recovery period and multiple additional procedures to ensure it was healing properly. Option two was to remove the leg completely.

As Ginger is FIV positive, our Vet team was concerned about how well his body would tolerate the surgical implants needed to fix the bone and the impact of possible repeat procedures over the years. Cats can adapt very quickly to the loss of one limb, so after much consideration, the team agreed that amputation was the best and safest course of action.

Our vets and vet nurses handled the procedure expertly with no complications and, once he’d come round, our Cattery team began to help Ginger get used to life on three legs. Very soon he was proving himself to be an energetic and friendly addition to our cattery. “He really was super bright and the happiest I’d seen him since he was admitted,” says Head Vet Justin Ainsworth of Ginger the day after surgery.

“He was moving around with ease and seemed very comfortable.”

Although he’d arrived as a stray and had clearly been out on his own for some time, Ginger had a microchip through which we were able to trace his original owner. Sadly, they were not able to take Ginger back into their care and signed him over to us so we could find him a new forever family. With his amputation and positive FIV status threatening to make adoption a challenge, we were delighted that it wasn’t long before someone fell in love with his cheeky face.

Ginger received around-theclock care in the run up to, during and after his surgery and as he adapted to his new life, something we could not offer without the generosity of the animal lovers who support us. We receive no government funding to keep our doors open.

If you’d like to contribute to our work, please turn to the cover sheet included with this magazine or scan the QR code below to give what you can today. With your help, we will be here to ensure cats like Ginger get back on their (three!) feet. Thank you!

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AUTUMN 2021

Guest chat: Ben Miles

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ayhew supporter Ben Miles is an acclaimed actor and a familiar face on stage and screen. His extensive and much-lauded theatre work has included roles in Wolf Hall, The Lehman Trilogy, The Norman Conquests and Betrayal, and he has recently appeared on television in The Crown and The Trial of Christine Keeler. We were delighted to have the opportunity to catch up with Ben for this issue’s ‘Guest chat’.

Last year you hosted a virtual event in aid of our international projects – what in particular interests you about Mayhew’s work overseas?

Your overseas work is such a wonderful example of the indomitable spirit of Mayhew. I was honoured to host the event last year and bowled over by the determination and positivity of the teams in Afghanistan and Georgia. They’ve achieved such a great deal in very challenging circumstances. What blazes through, no matter how limited resources are or how widespread the issues appear, is their love and respect for the animals they deal with.

Have you experienced any funny moments involving animals on set?

When did your love of animals begin?

When did you first start supporting Mayhew?

Ever since I can remember, animals have been in my life. Growing up in rural Derbyshire, our first family cat was a black-and-white moggy called Wilhelmina, or Willum for short. We also had two farm cats, Beans (a ginger named by my redhaired little brother) and Woodstock, and a fantastic rough collie by the name of Sabre, followed by his son, Spike.

I first came across Mayhew at a pet blessing service at our local church in Kensal Green, which is held each year and dedicated to all the pets of the congregation and beyond.

Speakers from Mayhew attended the service, and I was really struck by the work you do and the dedication of the staff.

One moment that stands out is filming a scene with a huge horse called Mark for ITV’s Lark Rise to Candleford a few years back. Every time ‘action’ was called, Mark would let out the loudest and longest fart you’ve ever heard. We thought it might have been nerves, but Mark’s owner put it down to the local hay playing havoc with his insides!

Which aspect of our work means the most to you?

What’s coming up next for you?

Can you tell us a little about your own dogs?

Ellie is our adorable rescue dog from Greece and Barry our wonderful French bulldog. Our youngest son was keen to get a French bulldog and to call it Barry, so that is exactly what we did. The dogs are firm pals (after a very spiky first month!). Barry is such a character and has definitely given Ellie a new lease of life.

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I’m patron of Vision Care for Homeless People (VCHP), a charity that provides free eyecare to people experiencing homelessness at drop-in centres across the UK, so Mayhew’s work looking after rough sleepers’ animals resonates deeply with me. This growing population is so often overlooked or misunderstood, and an animal companion can be a life saver.

I’m currently in rehearsals for The Mirror and the Light [part of the Wolf Hall trilogy], which opens on 6 October at the Gielgud Theatre in London. This is particularly exciting as I co-wrote the script with Hilary Mantel. Alongside this, I’ll be filming series two of The Capture for the BBC. I’ll also be appearing in a new, as-yet-untitled Star Wars series for the Disney Channel, which should air later in the year.

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arlier this summer, our Animal Welfare Officers (AWOs) came to the rescue of a two-year-old stray cat, who was cowering under a car on the side of a busy road. Krusty was in a dreadful state and clearly very unwell, so our AWOs scooped him up, placed him carefully in a carrier and brought him back to Mayhew for urgent examination by our vets.

Krusty was suffering from an extensive flea infestation. He was lethargic and his gums and nose were extremely pale – a sure sign of severe anaemia resulting from fleas feeding on his skin and blood.

He had patches of missing fur on his coat and scabbing across his body, most likely caused by painful flea-allergic dermatitis.

Our vets began treatment immediately, using fast-acting flea tablets and topical prescription flea drops, as well as antibiotics to help clear infection and soothe his skin.

We then settled Krusty into a comfortable cabin in our hospital ward so he could be monitored around the clock.

Under the care of our Vet team, Krusty slowly began to rally. With continued medication and gentle grooming along with regular blood tests to track his anaemia, his irritated skin began healing, his fur started to grow back and his nose and gums turned from white to pink.

As Krusty’s health improved, his personality blossomed: he starting ‘chatting’ to our team and clearly loved people. Once he was well enough, he was moved from the hospital ward into our cattery and, at the suggestion of vet nurse Pam, was given a room with a view – perfect for such a curious and friendly cat.

We’re delighted to report that Krusty has fully recovered and is now microchipped and vaccinated, ready for his forever home.

He’s such a sweet cat that we hope it won’t be too long before he is happily settled with a new family.

“

His anaemia was so severe that Krusty would have quickly passed away without treatment. This is unusual in an adult cat, so we ran additional tests to ensure he wasn’t suffering from any other debilitating conditions.

To our relief, there were no other causes.

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Krusty, rescued just in time

It was obvious that Krusty had once been an owned, domestic cat as he was friendly from the start, even though he must have felt so unwell. We’ll never know why – or how long – he was on the streets as he didn’t have a microchip so we were unable to trace his previous owners.

Justin Ainsworth, Head Veterinary Surgeon

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AUTUMN 2021

Festival pets H

alloween and Bonfire Night; Diwali, Hannukah, Christmas: the end of the year brings many of our most beloved holidays. These celebrations are great opportunities to share light, warmth and good food with friends and family, but ringing doorbells and fireworks often make them less popular with our pets – so we went digging for some festivals that put cats and dogs first!

St Anthony’s Day, Spain

Kukur Tihar, Nepal

Every year, on 17 January, pet owners across Spain line the roads as they take their slightly bemused cats, dogs and other animals to church to be blessed. The tradition is part of celebrations for the feast day of St Anthony the Great, the patron saint of animals, and has its origins in farmers seeking divine protection for their flocks – some even still bring their oxen, geese and sheep.

Dogs hold special significance in Hindu mythology and are associated with many deities including Yama, the god of death, whose four guard dogs act as messengers between the underworld and earth. This sacred connection is celebrated on the second of five days of festivities for Tihar, a holiday that shares some traditions (and its October/ November timing) with Diwali. Dogs are blessed with red tika spots, wear flower garlands and enjoy offerings of tasty food.

Kattenstoet, Belgium The history of this festival in Ypres in May is a dark one: it commemorates a barbaric tradition started in the Middle Ages and continuing till 1817 in which cats were tossed from the belfry of the city’s Cloth Hall into the square below. Today, thankfully, the only cats thrown are toys from parade floats as Ypre’s feline residents are honoured every three years with two days of cat-themed pageants and revels.

Bakeneko Festival, Japan Halloween isn’t a Japanese tradition but horror certainly is, which might explain why the holiday has become popular there in recent years. The bakeneko (‘changed cat’) is a type of yokai, a mythical supernatural creature, and the theme for visitors to Tokyo’s popular fancy-dress parade. The event is held in October in the city’s Kagurazaka neighbourhood, once home to writer Natsume Soseki, author of satirical novel I am a Cat. How apt!

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Keeping pets calm during fireworks season Is your pet scared by the whizzes and bangs of celebratory fireworks? Try our Cattery and Kennel staff’s triedand-tested tips for getting them (and you!) through the night.

• Create a calm environment: Keep your pet indoors and provide them with a safe room to retreat to, complete with toys, treats and their bed or crate if used. Close the curtains but keep the lights on to minimise flashing lights, and use soothing music or the tv/radio on low to drown out bangs. Give them space and let them hide if they need to.

• Try natural remedies: We use pet-safe essential oils and herbal remedies to relax our residents all year round. Lavender oil in a diffuser, valerian-based products such as Dorwest’s

handy drops, Pet Remedy and Bach Rescue Pets all come highly recommended by our team.

• Use pheromone therapy: Another Mayhew fave, products such as Feliway or Adaptil plug-ins, collars, wipes and sprays mimic our pets’ happy pheromones to give them comfort in all kinds of stressful situations.

• Consider a ThunderShirt: For particularly anxious pets, it might be worth investing in one of these clever coats, which apply a constant, gentle pressure that has a calming effect on both cats and dogs. Kind of like a weighted blanket!

For more guidance on prepping your pet for this year’s festival season, visit advice.themayhew.org.

Modern festivals for furry friends Animal lovers are big business, so it’s no surprise that cat- and dog-focused events are now giving music festivals and comic book conferences a run for their money. For cat lovers, US-based CatCon is perhaps the best-known feline festival, while CatFest offers a more boutique experience for those in the UK. And if you happen to be in Tokyo at the right time to visit the biannual Neko Matsuri (‘cat festival’), you’ll find local shops and eateries competing for your custom with cat-themed gifts and treats. For dog lovers, there’s Toronto’s award-winning Woofstock or Woofstock UK, which has been a fixture in Devon since 2014. But the hottest ticket of them all in our opinion is Hounds on the Heath, Mayhew’s annual summer dog show, which raises valuable funds for our vital work.

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AUTUMN 2021

Welcoming a new kitten to your home

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ver the past year, the number of pet cats and kittens in UK homes has risen dramatically from 7.5 million to 12.2 million. Welcoming a kitten into your family is incredibly exciting, but there’s a lot to consider – especially if it’s your first time owning a cat. Our animal experts have put together some advice to ensure the early months with your adorable new arrival go as smoothly as possible.

The first few days Prepare as much as you can in advance of bringing your kitten home, including registering with your local vet. Choose a quiet room for the kitten to spend their first week, where they can settle and start to gain confidence in their new environment. Make sure they have access to: • separate areas for food and water • at least one litter tray (placed as far from other items as possible) • a comfortable, soft bed and at least one safe hiding spot (eg, a covered carrier, a tent-style bed or a box)

If you can, bring home something that smells familiar to your kitten such as a favourite blanket to help them feel less anxious.

Once your kitten is set up in their new room, leave them to acclimatise. It can be tempting to shower them with affection and excitement, but they’re likely to be stressed by the move. Have patience – there will be plenty of time for cuddles later! If you’re worried about them being lonely, pop the radio on with the volume low: the soft background noise will reassure them.

• toys and a scratching post (a multilevel cat tree suitable for climbing is ideal).

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Biting is a natural predatory behaviour for cats but you don’t want them using your extremities as a target!

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Maria Bergendahl, Cattery Assistant

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For m our C keepin happy a n advice.t

Introductions After the first few days, your kitten should be feeling more settled. You can now use their room as a base for new experiences such as meeting other family members, so that they can start to build up their confidence in a safe space before they take on the whole house. It’s important to remember that interacting with lots of people at once will be overwhelming for your new kitten, so introduce the rest of the family gradually.

Playtime and boundaries When playing with your kitten, it’s best to encourage them to try a variety of toys, including ones that they can interact with alone (such as ball circuits) and ones that you can enjoy together (such as fishing rod toys). Rotate the types of toys that your kitten is using so that they don’t get bored.

You may be tempted to use your fingers or toes to play with your kitten, but you should avoid this: if they believe this is an acceptable form of play, you may end up with a few injuries once they’ve grown into an adult cat!

more g uidan Cattery ce from team o n ng cats and kitt ens nd healt hy, head to themay hew.or g.

If your kitten behaves in a naughty way, don’t tell them off but instead ignore them for a little while or distract them with something else. Make sure you praise their good behaviour and give them lots of positive reinforcement, including rewarding them with playtime and treats.

Cat Adoption Officer Matt Pearson says, “Your tiny bundle of fluff may be cute, but part of their socialisation needs to be learning boundaries and understanding what is positive behaviour in their new home. Be consistent with your boundaries and ensure your other family members are doing this too.”

Kitten-proofing Having a new kitten in your home can be like having a crawling baby in some ways, so ensure that you have ‘kitten-proofed’ your home before allowing your new arrival to explore. Cats and kittens can squeeze into the smallest holes, so make sure you block off any gaps in furniture, cupboards and

appliances, as well as keeping doors and lids closed (including the toilet). Always keep an eye on your kitten and remember to keep all of your cables and wires out of reach so they don’t chew or get caught up in them.

Vaccinations, neutering and microchipping It’s important to get your kitten neutered, microchipped and fully vaccinated against cat flu (calicivirus and herpesvirus), enteritis and feline leukaemia (FeLV).

These measures are all an essential part of responsible pet ownership and keeping your new family member safe and healthy. For more information, speak to your vet or visit themayhew.org/community-vet-clinic.

Naughty nipping Maria in our Cattery team looks after the kitten block, where kittens receive expert, around-the-clock care. We asked Maria to share her top tips for dealing with biting.

• Encourage your kitten to play with toys from a young age and introduce playtime several times throughout the day.

• Don’t tease your kitten – they need to be allowed to catch their ‘prey’ to fulfil their biological need to hunt.

• Avoid the temptation to tickle their fluffy tummy!

• Use toys that they can stalk and pounce on such as a fishing rod toy dragged along the floor.

• Redirect any biting behaviour to an appropriate target such as a kickaroo toy or teddy.

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Mayhew International updates

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An update Mayhew Georgia from Mayhew goes from strength Afghanistan to strength As we go to print (September 2021), both our rabies vaccination and neutering programmes in Kabul have restarted in a small capacity in response to local community requests. All our staff are safe and we hope to resume normal operations when circumstances allow and it’s safe to do so.

Before the suspension of our programmes, the Mayhew Afghanistan team celebrated passing the milestone of 20,000 dogs neutered over two years. We are so proud of their achievement and hard work.

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Our Mayhew Georgia team continues to have a busy year both in the capital, Tbilisi, where our dog population management work first started, and in the surrounding regions. Through a collaboration with Doggie Doc, we are now able to offer neutering and vaccination services in more remote areas, where there is very limited or no access to veterinary provision for dogs and cats, either owned or homeless.

With vaccinations and vital treatments widely accessible in the UK, it is easy to forget how devastating the consequences

of diseases caused by viruses and parasites such as fleas and ticks can be for dogs living overseas. We are committed to supporting as many dogs as we can to live long and healthy lives in Georgia, and we’re making great progress this year.

To date, the team has neutered and vaccinated more than 1,100 dogs against rabies and the most common infectious dog diseases in 2021.

international

Training tomorrow’s top vets Meet trainee vet Nestani (pictured below left). Nestani is from the city of Kutaisi in west Georgia, and she has been mentored recently by Mayhew Georgia Vet Dr Ana Metskhvarishvili at the New Vet Clinic. We’re delighted to have her on board and are so grateful for her efforts in continuing the amazing work of our Georgian team!

Keep up to date w our wor k overse ith signing up to th as by e Mayh Interna ew tional e N ewslett themay er: hew.or g/mi-n ews.

Our dedicated volunteers Our work in Georgia would not be possible without the incredible hard work and dedication of our wonderful volunteers.

One of these volunteers is Natia Beuklishvili, who helps with our mobile clinic in the Kakheti region north-east of Tbilisi. Natia’s help is invaluable. She is a champion of our work and spreads the word among the community, letting them know when our mobile clinic will be in town. “The work of the mobile clinic is important because the population of stray animals is being managed, which will affect their reproduction and reduce the number of puppies, road traffic accidents and diseases,” she explains.

Natia’s knowledge of the community dogs, their habits and whereabouts means she is able to signpost where the dogs are, helping the team to get them to the clinic for treatment. A true animal lover, she is comfortable being really hands on, often stepping in to assist the team with pre- and post-operative care when needed. Above all, Natia is committed to building a better future for the dogs in Georgia: “I help them because they need human help … There are very few people who really worry about them.”

Our newest recovery nurse The mobile clinic team welcomed an unexpected guest this August... Meet our new post-operative recovery nurse, Suzie!

Suzie was found in the middle of a highway close to the town of Lagodekhi with no signs of siblings or owners around. Our Vet team took her with them to safety and she was spayed and vaccinated against rabies. Suzie has clearly decided to stay and is never too far away from the team – or the dogs, whom she likes to remain close to after they’ve been neutered. We’re not sure what her vet skills are like, but she makes a wonderful companion for everyone at the mobile clinic!

The neutering and vaccination programmes and health checks offered by our mobile clinic are vital in helping to manage the street dog population in Georgia. Support from local volunteers like Natia helps to raise awareness about Mayhew Georgia, ensuring people understand our work and know that these important services are available.

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AUTUMN 2021

Your letters In memory of Nelson Socks Hi Matthew, Me and Socks have bonded better than I could have ever hoped – she seems totally comfortable and confident around me. She’s been eating, using her litter tray and hasn’t wrecked the house when I’ve gone out, so all is well. I did buy her a bed, but she has taken over mine instead! I don’t blame her.

Lisa

Hi Lisa, We adopted Nelson from you in 2017 and I write with some sad news as this evening he crossed the rainbow bridge. He has been the most fantastic dog that has been a super addition to our family – he touched our hearts immensely. He was great with everyone he met and touched many hearts. Thank you for allowing us to adopt him and look after him the last four and a bit years.

Nick and Suzie

Diamond (was Hamachi)

Bonnie

Dear Matt,

Hi Matt,

It’s Diamond’s six-year adoption anniversary and I wanted to send a little update. She loves the garden at the new house and is hugely entertained by all the wildlife, but we’ve discovered the cat is a mouser! She sometimes brings us three in an evening.

If only she learned not to release them into the house. She has a squirrel friend that she just watches but doesn’t hunt, but I caught her growling at some deer from the window.

I’m delighted to say that Bonnie has settled in so well. She goes out in the garden and snoozes a lot (well, at 16, she’s allowed to!) and is now resting on the bed with soft classical music in the background!

I would recommend to anybody out there to rescue an elderly cat – it’s so rewarding.

Best wishes, Dasha

Best wishes, Carole

Brian Bayley (was Wilbe) Hello Lisa, It was Bayley’s 8th birthday yesterday. I can’t believe it has been over seven years since I gave him his furever home – he is truly my world. He has been on a new monthly injection for his arthritis and it has been an amazing transformation since he started it three months ago – he is like a pup (born-again hooligan?!) and I love it!

Kind regards, Suzanne

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Dear Lisa, I just wanted to give you an update on how Brian is doing. He has found that he loves water in the form of rivers, streams and the sea – but not baths! His only other dislike is the groomer. He is the spaniel, friend and family member we always wanted and we couldn’t have asked for more.

Stay safe, Howard

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

Bitten off more than you can chew?

We’re here to help.

Head to our online advice hub for training, enrichment and healthcare tips: advice.themayhew.org.

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Christmas Gift Guide 2021 Christmas ideas for pets and pet lovers all wrapped up!

Purrfect presents for under £10!

Pawsome stocking fillers!

These virtual gifts have been chosen because they play a vital part in our work. Every virtual gift includes a special card explaining the lasting difference your contribution will make, so you have something in hand to place under the Christmas tree!

Gifts sold in support of Mayhew International

Flea and worm treatment Parasites can cause a range of health issues from minor to severe, even fatal. This gift could provide flea and worming treatment for one animal, to help cats and dogs abroad enjoy a healthy, disease-free life.

Product code: VG056 £5.00

Support the Mayhew Georgia mobile vet clinic Mayhew Georgia supports a mobile clinic which travels to remote parts of the country where access to veterinary care is very limited. This gift could help our mobile clinic treat and neuter street dogs in these hard to reach areas.

Product code: VG072 £10.00

Surgical supplies

Neuter a street animal

Our international veterinary teams perform hundreds of live-saving surgeries and neutering operations every year. This gift could provide our vets with essential surgical supplies such as suture material, surgical instruments and drapes.

Neutering is the most humane way to address the problem of free-roaming dog and cat populations and means fewer animals on the streets facing disease, starvation and cruelty. This gift could support the delivery of our TVNR programmes overseas.

Product code: VG032 £20.00

Product code: VG050 £25.00

Help train an overseas vet Mayhew International’s Veterinary Training Programme promotes safe and secure veterinary practices and advances the treatment of dogs and cats overseas. This gift could enable the team to welcome more students to the UK and to deliver essential training abroad.

Product code: VG034 £50.00

Rabies prevention and vaccine package

Receiving the right nutrition after surgery can make a real difference to an animal’s wellbeing. This gift could provide a dog overseas with a special post-operative meal designed to build their strength and aid recovery.

We deliver thousands of vaccinations against rabies and the most common infectious diseases overseas each year, maintaining a healthy global dog population and creating safer communities. This life-saving gift could immunise one street dog and stop diseases being passed to other animals or humans.

Product code: VG080 £5.00

Product code: VG045 £15.00

Post-operative meal for a street dog

How to order 3. By post Send your completed order form (included with the print edition of Tails), together with a cheque or credit card details, to: Mayhew, Trenmar 2. By phone Gardens, Kensal Green, Call 020 8206 5870 from 9am London NW10 6BJ. to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

1. Online Visit shop.themayhew.org for the full range, including some online exclusives – open 24 hours a day.

Last order date for Christmas delivery: 13 December 2021

Gifts that make a di�erence Gifts sold in support of Mayhew

Christmas dinner for a Mayhew cat Spread a little holiday cheer by spoiling Mayhew’s feline residents.

This gift could provide a cat-friendly Christmas dinner with all the trimmings.

Product code: VG027 £5.00

Enrichment toy for a dog Toys, treats and activities ensure the dogs in our care stay happy and healthy. This gift could provide the perfect toy to keep a dog entertained until they find their forever home.

Product code: VG047 £5.00

Heat pad for a sick or injured animal This gift could provide a life-saving heat pad for sick, injured or postoperative animals at Mayhew, helping to eliminate the risk of infection and speed up healing.

Product code: VG049 £15.00

Health check for the dog of a person experiencing homelessness Mayhew works with organisations like Crisis and this gift could provide a free general health check, including flea and worming treatment and microchipping, and a collar, tag, lead and coat for the dog of a person experiencing homelessness in London.

Product code: VG051 £25.00

Christmas dinner for a Mayhew dog

Fleece blanket for a cat

Grooming kit for a cat or dog

Share the love this festive season with a treat for Mayhew’s canine residents. This gift could provide a dog-friendly Christmas dinner with all the trimmings.

Cats love to curl up and feel comfy and warm, especially when it’s cold outside. This gift could provide a feline resident with a fleece blanket to make them feel snug in their cabin.

This gift could provide a grooming MOT including medicated bath, parasite control, nail clipping and ear cleaning to keep a Mayhew cat or dog looking and feeling great.

Product code: VG018 £5.00

Product code: VG064 £10.00

Product code: VG046 £15.00

Help a pet and owner in crisis Our Pet efuge programme offers support for pet owners facing a personal crisis, providing a safe place for their pet to stay while they get back on their feet. This gift could ensure that an animal is fostered in a stress-free home environment while their owner receives the help they need.

Enrichment toy for a cat

Fleece blanket for a dog

Play hunting is vital for our feline residents. This gift could provide a toy like a play tunnel to keep a cat active and mentally stimulated until they find their forever home.

Dogs love to cuddle up somewhere soft and snuggly. This gift could provide a canine resident with a fleece blanket to make them feel cosy in their kennel.

Product code: VG048 £5.00

Product code: VG065 £10.00

Order online at shop.themayhew.org

Order by phone: 020 8206 5870

Keep our ambulances on the road Our animal ambulances are crucial to the work we do and this gift could help keep them up and running for emergency call-outs to animals in desperate need.

Product code: VG031 £25.00

Product code: VG053 £50.00

Thank you for your support

SPONSORSHIP

GIFTS

These gifts support our work helping dogs, cats and communities in the UK. To find out more about our programmes, visit themayhew.org.

Sponsor a Dog Room or Cat Cabin at Mayhew to help provide our animals with a safe, stress-free environment to live in until they find their permanent home. Or, to give our cats and dogs even more, opt for the Dog Room Deluxe or Cat Cabin Deluxe.

Sponsor a Dog Room Dog Room Product code: VG038 £60.00

Dog Room Deluxe Product code: VG039 £120.00

Sponsor a Cat Cabin Cat Cabin Product code: VG036 £60.00

Cat Cabin Deluxe Product code: VG037 £120.00

You will receive: Personalised certificate Profile of one of our current dog or cat residents ‘Who We Are’ booklet ‘A Day at Mayhew’ leaflet Mayhew Oyster card holder Mayhew pen Mayhew collection box Mayhew cuddly dog or cat toy Mayhew cotton tote bag (Deluxe option only)

Pictured: Cat Cabin Deluxe sponsorship pack.

(Mayhew cotton tote bag included with Deluxe option only).

Last order date for Christmas delivery: 13 December 2021

Gifts for cats Gifts for dogs

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A complementary food for dogs, suitable for all breeds and ages from 16 weeks old. No added salt or sugar. Feeding guideline: 5–15 treats per day depending on dog’s size.

Full ingredients can be found in our online shop or on product packaging.

Weight: 3 x 125g.

Product code: DL072 £7.49

Thrive cat treats

Feline Fine coasters This set of four super-cute cat face coasters is a charming and practical addition to any cat-loving home.

Material: MDF. Dimensions: H9 x W10 x D0.5cm.

Product code: DG047 £7.99

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Rosewood Catch & Flash ball Play all day and into the night with this multi-coloured, light-up bouncy dog ball that flashes on impact. Great for playing in low light conditions or on winter walks! Dimensions: . cm diameter

Chicken product code: CG032 £4.99 Tuna product code: CG033 £4.99 White �sh product code: CG034 £4.99

Product code: DG050 £4.99

Product code: CL092 £4.99

Grumpy Cat feather tail toy

Thank you for your support

Featuring a long, feathery tail ideal for hunting and snatching, this stimulating toy is sure to become your cat’s new best friend.

Dimensions: H24 x W6cm.

Product code: CG035

£3.99 Order online at shop.themayhew.org

Order by phone: 020 8206 5870

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Flavoursome freeze-dried chunks of 100 chicken breast fillet, sustainable Atlantic hoki or poleand-line-caught tuna – nutrient rich and no added sugar! Full information and feeding guidelines can be found online or on product packaging.

Weight: chicken 25g, tuna 25g, white fishi 1 g.

Product code: DG049 £6.49

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Brighten someone’s day with this fluffy dog notebook featuring floppy ears and pink heart nose. Hardback cover, A5 lined paper. Dimensions: H22 x W15 x D1.5cm.

Rosewood Mr Fox toy Made from soft, high-quality canvas with a fun hidden squeaker, Mr Fox’s long legs make him a favourite for tugging and throwing. Dimensions: H42 x W15cm.

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Delicious hand-baked natural dog treats in three functional flavours that target some important areas of canine health: Calm & Relaxed (a perfect bedtime treat or great before a trip to the vet for anxious pooches), Health & Digestion (ideal for those with a sensitive stomach) and Fresh Breath (to help look after your dog’s dental health).

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Pooch & Mutt mixed mini bone treat three-pack

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Purple product code: CG015 £3.99 Pink product code: CG026 £3.99 Orange product code: CG027 £3.99

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Handmade felt hearts stuffed with high-strength premium quality Canadian catnip, guaranteed to make your cat go wild. Dimensions: H8 x W9cm.

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Mayhew x Freak Meowt catnip hearts

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Rosewood Mitchell Monkey toy Whether they’re a playful pooch or a total snugglebug, your dog will love Mitchell Monkey’s cuddly plush body, multi-textured limbs and secret squeaker. Dimensions: H25 x W12cm.

Product code: DG048 £6.49

Order online at shop. themayhew.org

Gifts for animal lovers

Feline Fine key ring This sweet metal and enamel kitty key ring is a wonderful stocking filler for cat-crazy friends. Dimensions: H4 x W4.5 x D0.1cm (total length 9.5cm).

Product code: CL080 £2.49

Nine Lives glasses case with cloth Ideal for the eco-conscious cat owner, this stylish hard-shell glasses case with microfibre cleaning cloth is the purrfect way to protect your specs. Weight: 110g; dimensions: H3.5 x W5.5 x L15cm.

Chester the Ginger Cat magnetic shopping list Stick this cute cat notepad to the fridge door and never forget the milk again! Contains 60 lined pages; pencil included. Dimensions: L20 x W9cm.

Product code: CL084 £3.99

Simon’s Cat Christmas tea towel This festive tea towel’s cheerful cartoon design ensures even drying up can’t dampen the Christmas spirit! Material: cotton 35%, polyester 65%. Dimensions: H69 x W46cm.

Product code: CL090 £2.99

Product code: CL083 £4.99

Feline Fine photo frame Liven up that bare bookshelf, desk or wall with this fun, wooden peeping cat photo frame. Fits photos 4x4” (10x10cm). Dimensions: H21 x W15 x D1.5cm.

Feline Fine bamboo travel mug

Product code: CL081 £3.99

Lucky Cat bath bomb in gift box Designed and made in the UK, these delicately fragranced bath bombs are cruelty-free, vegan and contain no palm oil or gluten. Full ingredients can be found online or on product packaging. Bath bomb weight: approx.

160g; dimensions: 6cm diameter.

Go green with these chic reusable travel mugs made from recycled chopstick offcuts from organic bamboo. Material: bamboo composite (60% bamboo, 35% melamine, 5% cornstarch), recycled silicone lid. BPA- and phthalate-free.

Dishwasher safe; not microwave safe. Capacity: 400ml; dimensions H13.5 x W9 x D 9cm.

Blue product code: CL088 £5.99 Pink product code: CL089 £5.99

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Guaranteed to make them smile, this black cat notebook comes complete with fluffy ears and whiskers.

Hardback cover, A5 lined paper.

Dimensions: H22 x W15 x D1.5cm.

Product code: CL091 £7.49

Feline Fine cushion All the cuddles– this plush cushion is a cosy huggable companion for winter nights. Material: polyester.

Dimensions: H26 x W25 x D10cm.

Product code: CL082 £5.99

Gold cat (Orchid & Jasmine) product code: CL085 £3.49 Black cat (Lotus & Ginger Root) product code: CL086 £3.49 White cat (Cherry Blossom) product code: CL087 £3.49

Visit shop.themayhew.org

Last order date for Christmas delivery: 13 December 2021

Christmas Gift Guide 2021 Welcome to the Mayhew Christmas Gift Guide 2021, a fantastic selection of gifts, cards and seasonal items, specially chosen for animal lovers and their pets. Every purchase you make helps us continue our work to improve the lives of dogs, cats and communities, at our Home in London and around the world. Thank you for your support – and Merry Christmas from all of us at Mayhew!

How to order 1. Online

2. By phone

3. By post

Visit shop.themayhew.org for the full range, including some online exclusives – open 24 hours a day.

Call 020 8206 5870 from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Send your completed order form (included with the print edition of Tails), together with a cheque or credit card details, to: Mayhew, Trenmar Gardens, Kensal Green, London NW10 6BJ.

Order by 13 December for Christmas delivery. Postage and packing: £3.99 for UK orders; £12 for overseas.

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Don’t forget me, Santa!

Santa’s arrival

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Pulling the sleigh

For the cat lover on your Christmas card list. Greeting: With best wishes for Christmas and the New Year.

Pack of 10. H15 x W15cm.

Someone’s looking to hitch a ride on Santa’s sleigh! Greeting: With best wishes for Christmas and the New Year. Pack of 10. H15 x W15cm.

An adorable festive scene for dog and cat fans alike! Greeting: With best wishes for Christmas and the New Year. Pack of 10. H15 x W15cm.

These pups are ready to help Santa bring joy to the world. Greeting: With best wishes for Christmas and the New Year. Pack of 10. H12 x W1 cm.

Product code: MS082 £4.99

Product code: MS083 £4.99

Product code: MS084 £4.99

Product code: MS085 £4.99

Christmas kitties gift wrap

Dogs in jumpers gift wrap

Mayhew 2022 cat calendar

Mayhew 2022 dog calendar

Cats on cushions and under Christmas trees make for the prettiest print on this festive gift wrap. Made from top quality recycled paper; includes five sheets of H 0 xW 0cm gift wrap and five tags.

Make your presents stand out with this jolly red gift wrap covered in sweater-wearing pups. Made from top quality recycled paper; includes five sheets of H 0 x W 0cm gift wrap and five tags.

Treat yourself to twelve months of beautiful Mayhew cats and make sure you never miss an important date again. Wire bound with hanging hole. Opens to A3.

With a stunning photo of a different Mayhew dog to enjoy every month, getting organised has never been so much fun. Wire bound with hanging hole. Opens to A3.

Product code: MS081 £3.99

Product code: MS074 £3.99

Product code: MS079 £7.99

Product code: MS080 £7.99

Order online at shop.themayhew.org

Order by phone: 020 8206 5870

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Cards, gift wrap and calendars