Issue 20 | Winter 2024 | themayhew.org
Finding love in their new forever homes – pg4
You’ve helped Roobarb touch the hearts of people living with dementia - pg6
How your support is helping dogs like Frankie – pg9
Remember a life. Change a life – pg10
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Introduction
As we step into the New Year, I’m so grateful to you for your support and the incredible impact you’re having on the lives of animals in need. Throughout 2023, your support meant that over 500 dogs and cats were able to take refuge at Mayhew and receive the care and comfort they deserve. Thanks to you, thousands more animals have benefited from our clinics (in London and overseas), and our work in the community to support dogs, cats and pet owners in need. These numbers only scratch the surface of the difference you’ve made. In every tail wag, in every purr, your kindness shines. Whether through donations that enable us to do our work, or by volunteering your time and energy, however you choose to support Mayhew, you’re playing a vital part in our team.
In this issue of Tails, read on page 6 how volunteer TheraPaws teams are spreading joy and comfort with their therapeutic visits to care homes and schools. And take a glimpse into a ‘day in the life’ of a cat foster carer, on page 8. All of our dedicated foster carers, who open their homes and hearts to animals in need, provide a crucial bridge to forever homes.
As we navigate 2024, I am confident that, together, we can make it a year filled with even more impact and countless success stories. Thank you for being a part of Mayhew and I wish you a Happy New Year filled with joy.
Sherine Wheeler, Chief Executive
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Finding love in their new forever homes A Day in the Life
Please give today Please turn to your donation form, call us, go online or scan this QR code
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How your support is helping dogs like Frankie Remember a life. Change a life. What you need to know about microchipping your cat info@mayhewanimalhome.org 020 8962 8000 (main) 020 8206 5870 (fundraising) Trenmar Gardens, Kensal Green, London NW10 6BJ themayhew.org
Thank you for being there for cats like Marissa this winter. You’ve wrapped your compassion around the dogs and cats in our care, and made their festive season so much brighter. Thanks to your generosity to our Winter Crisis Appeal, we’ve been able to offer not just shelter, but also a sense of safety and belonging to animals who have no one else. You’ve helped to provide the comfort of caring hands, nourishing meals and the soothing presence of our dedicated animal carers. And we are thrilled to share that Marissa, Hercules, and Jane, who featured in our appeal, have all found loving new homes. Your support contributes to these happily-everafter moments, and for that, we are profoundly grateful. You can find out how Marissa and Hercules are winning the hearts of their new owners on the next page. Your kindness also resonated deeply
with our hard-working teams. Your messages of encouragement hung on our tree over Christmas and were wonderful to read, especially during demanding days. You fuel our tireless efforts to ensure every animal receives the love, care, and support they deserve.
As we navigate the remainder of winter, your continued support helps turn a challenging chapter into a time of warmth and hope for the dogs and cats at Mayhew, and our dedicated teams alike. If you are able to give today to help transform the lives of those who have yet to find their forever homes, thank you so much. Davina, posing beside all your lovely bauble messages.
£30 could help fund our animal carers working to provide love, care and support to dogs and cats this winter. Please go to themayhew.org/tails to give what you can today.
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Mayhew dogs and cats find l ve in their new forever homes Chico
“Chico is doing so well. He seems so happy here. We went to Regent’s Park for some walks and he loved it. Chico had his first tube experience and he was so chill”. Lívia
Roxy (formerly Gretchen)
Xyla (formerly Marissa)
“Roxy, formerly Gretchen, has settled in so well. She is playful, cuddly and so curious! I will often find her in places she shouldn’t be, like in the bathtub, the bottom (or top!) of a wardrobe or the wash basket. I’m so delighted to have been able to give Roxy a new home, thank you Mayhew”.
“Xyla has been an absolute angel, so sweet and cuddly and friendly. She has settled in really well! Thank you so much for bringing us together”. Tiana
Vicki
Hercules
Midnight
Linda and Martin
Susana
“Hercules is a little pocket rocket, enjoying his walks in the Warwickshire countryside with his new doggy sisters. He looks forward to his training sessions, where he displays his star quality. Most of all, he likes snuggling on the sofa watching Strictly or Dogs Behaving Badly. We absolutely love him”.
“Midnight has improved my life on every level. She has transformed so much and lies next to me on the sofa every night. I cannot tell you the joy she brings me. And how perfect she has been to integrate into my life. Thank you so much for all you do. It is life changing”.
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|7 It is enormously rewarding to see the reaction when Roobarb enters the room and to see the close bonds she has formed with both the residents and staff.” The benefits of bringing dogs into care homes are immeasurable. The residents often delve into cherished memories of childhood pets and beloved animals, and the conversations help combat a sense of loneliness. Roobarb, in turn, relishes the attention, enjoying pats, cuddles, and the occasional treat.
You’ve helped Roobarb touch the hearts of people living with dementia In the heart of Northwest London, a remarkable duo is making a significant impact on the lives of residents living with dementia at Lawnfield Care Home. Claire and her beloved companion, Roobarb, a charming border collie crossbreed, have been volunteering with TheraPaws for six years. This service, funded by the generous support of Pets Foundation, takes volunteers and their behaviourally assessed dogs into hospitals, mental health centres, schools, care homes, and hospices to help improve the quality of life for those interacting with the animal.
Roobarb’s journey to becoming a TheraPaws dog began in 2012 when she was taken in by Mayhew after being abandoned. A gentle soul, Roobarb quickly won the hearts of Claire’s
Every week, Claire and Roobarb bring light to the residents of Lawnfield Care Home. One such resident, Lucy*, has found comfort in stroking Roobarb. Despite struggling with language skills, Lucy manages to use a few more words than usual during their visits. It’s a testament to the therapeutic power that dogs and cats can bring, helping to encourage communication.
“Roobarb’s favourite moments are the parties, possibly because of the sausage rolls.” Claire
Beyond the joy and entertainment, Claire and Roobarb’s impact in the lives of Lawnfield’s residents shows the transformational power of the humananimal bond.
Rose*, another resident, experiences anxiety and agitation, but the arrival of Claire and Roobarb calms and relaxes her. Claire shares, “Volunteering with TheraPaws and visiting Lawnfield is one of the highlights of my week. family who were looking for the perfect companion to adopt. Little did they know that she would go on to touch the lives of so many others in such a profound way.
*Names have been changed to protect the privacy of those mentioned.
Roobarb as a young pup back in 2012.
To find out more about volunteering opportunities with Mayhew, please visit themayhew.org/volunteering
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A day in the life of Cat Foster Carer Louise
What are some of your favourite things about the role?
I think just the possibility of making a difference. But also, these cats give me something as well. It’s cuddles, it’s knowing that they need me. But they can also be there for me when I need them. If I’m having a bad day, some are really good at sensing those things. Are there any specific highlights from your time with Mayhew that stand out for you?
I’ve always felt supported by Mayhew and that has been really important. And the fact that we’ve found families for the cats who were a bit more challenging. Maybe it’s an older cat or a cat that just needs someone to put in the time to fully understand and be willing to adapt with them. I’ve had a few of those cases and those cats really stay with me. What does your role as a cat foster carer involve? It starts when Georgina, Head of Cattery, calls me and asks if I’m available as she has a cat for me. I don’t think I’ve ever said no! Then a big thing once the cat is with me, is learning about them so I can share this information with Mayhew to help with finding the cat the right home and family. Are you currently fostering a Mayhew cat?
I have Indie, who’s the sweetest and super loving, but she’s very shy. Each day is about gaining her trust and in the last week, she’s started to feel more confident and she’s playing lots. Every morning, the rugs are all over the place!
Do you have any tricks or secrets that help you win the trust of foster cats?
How your support is helping dogs like Frankie
Through the kind support we receive for our international projects in Afghanistan and Georgia, Mayhew has already been able to improve the lives and well-being of tens of thousands of stray and roaming dogs in these communities. One such dog is Frankie (pictured), a loveable and friendly one and half year-old dog living on the outskirts of Tbilisi in Mtskheta, Georgia.
I have actually been called a ‘cat whisperer’ by a few people, which I think is quite funny because I would never say such a thing about myself. But it really is about learning to see that cat as an individual. Don’t try to rush anything. Most of them will start to show affection or an interest in you if you just give them time to unwind and have maybe a couple of days under your bed, behind the sofa, etc. And I always say if they want to sleep on your bed, let them sleep on your bed!
Last year, Frankie was rushed into our Mayhew clinic suffering from some quite serious injuries most likely sustained from a road traffic accident. Sadly, these accidents are a common occurrence with the roaming dog population, as when a female is in heat, male dogs will become quite determined when trying to approach her and lose all road sense - neutering helps to stop this reckless behaviour and reduce accidents.
Do it. One hundred percent. You’re helping Mayhew. You’re helping this cat, and you’re helping a family that’s going to take this cat in because of the information you provide. Do it, do it, do it.
But thanks to the support of people like
What advice would you give to someone who is considering becoming a fosterer?
Frankie had severe lacerations to her chest and a dislocated paw. She was in a sorry state.
Frankie was in a terrible state on arrival (right) but thanks to you, she is back to her happy self.
you, she was swiftly attended to by our dedicated team at the local community hub in Mtskheta. The team cleaned out Frankie’s wounds, gave her pain relief and antibiotics, and were able to stitch up her wounds to prevent infection. She was also neutered, vaccinated and tagged at the same time. Happily, Frankie has completed recovered and recently had her stitches removed. She is now a regular visitor to the clinic, enjoying being made a fuss over and spending time playing with Foxy, Georgia vet Dr Ana’s rescue dog.
In the area, because of your generosity, we’ve been able to neuter more than 900 dogs, increasing the neutered dog population from 51% to 69% over the last two years.
Your continued support allows us to extend our care to animals like Frankie, making a very real difference to their lives and the communities they live in.
With a gift today, you can help make a difference in the lives of more dogs like Frankie. Please visit themayhew.org/overseas
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Remember a life. Change a life. When we lose someone close to us – whether friend, family member, or beloved pet – the memories we have of them mean everything and we can find great comfort in remembering them and celebrating their life and passions.
Supporting their favourite cause, or an organisation that meant a lot to them, can be a positive and meaningful way to commemorate them and pay tribute to their life. If you would like to commemorate the life of a loved one or beloved pet and at the same time make an impact on the dogs and cats of Mayhew, here are a few ways for you to consider: Organise a charity collection in lieu of flowers at the funeral. This can be easily coordinated with the funeral director and the donation will come directly to Mayhew. Hold a fundraising event in memory of a loved one. Why not hold a cake sale in your workplace, host a quiz for your family or invite your friends to join a sponsored walk with their four-legged friends? Take on a challenge in their memory. Taking part in an event can be a wonderful way to remember your
loved one and support a cause that is close to their heart or yours. And you’ll feel double that sense of achievement at the finish line.
Mark Christmas, anniversaries or birthdays. You can easily make a donation online in memory of your loved one. Perhaps you’d like to choose a particular date like a birthday or anniversary, as a special dedication to the person or pet you want to remember. Dedicate a commemorative object, like a plaque or bench in our lovely Mayhew garden and leave a lasting memory of them surrounded by our four-legged residents. Leave a gift in your Will. A gift to Mayhew in your Will is a wonderful way to create a lasting legacy in memory of a loved one, or treasured pet. Your gift in their honour will have a life-changing impact on the future residents of Mayhew, ensuring they really are loved for life. However you choose to recognise your loved one, each donation made to Mayhew will mean we are able to provide continued shelter, warmth and love to all the dogs and cats that come into our care. Isn’t it wonderful to know that a gift in your loved one’s memory will be helping to change animals’ lives?
If you would like to find out more about making a gift in memory, please visit themayhew.org/gifts-in-memory or you can call our friendly team on 020 8206 5870
“Dear Mayhew team,
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Mayhew adopters and longstanding supporters Tariq and Shirley, have chosen to commemorate the lives of Tariq’s late sister Yasmin and their adopted Mayhew cat Toby, with a donation to the Mayhew on each of their birthdays. In this message, Tariq shares a little more about what giving in memory means to them.
and I wanted to give away almost 5 years ago d sse pa n mi Yas ter sis My ay. Why you wonderful ’ve been her 50th birthd uld wo at wh d un aro ng d would look somethi she was a foster carer an /10 09 20 ca cir ck ba y wa the Winter people? Well, ch was Toby, pictured in su e On s. cat ew yh Ma e, after some of the s who came up to my wif visited my sister and gues We e. zin ga me ma so ls ith Tai (w 10 20 Needless to say ryone else? Yep … Toby! after totally ignoring eve d he arrived on the min!) We did take him an Yas m fro nt me ge ura co unsubtle en 30th October 2010. led through life, years with him and he sai ul erf nd wo 13 t os alm d We ha he had renal issues. ter when we discovered win t las til un ible inc inv rney may be seemingly food and thought the jou ial ec sp to d he itc sw we OK ... bad, but mmer. Unfortunately he here right up until this su shorter, but he was STILL equent vets visits and and nothing helped. Subs ly Ju rly ea in g tin ea ed stopp July and we are still had to let him go on 14th we t an me led ea rev y suffering what the ul right till the end and his erf nd wo ked loo He . ed so, so devastat LY should, despite the can adopt a pet, you REAL has stopped now. If you was happy and so were ng a living soul in need. He lpi he are u yo … e ach heart then, God Bless our will be back to you but till we ar ye s thi er lat , ling wil we. God wonderful Toby.”
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What you need to know… about microchipping your cat From 10th June 2024. a new law will require all owners in the UK to microchip their cat, or risk facing a £500 fine. This move aims to address the thousands of missing cats each year, with many sadly never finding their way back to their owners. In 2021 Mayhew and other animal welfare charities, campaigned for a change in legislation and we are pleased by the news that parliament have responded with this new measure. “We have been able to reunite 8 cats and 15 dogs with their owners this last year thanks to them being microchipped” says Georgina Costi, Head of Cattery at Mayhew.
Below we’ve answered some frequently asked questions about the new law coming into effect. At what age should a cat be microchipped under the new legislation?
While there is no minimum age, cats must be microchipped by 20 weeks of age under the new law. We recommend getting it done before a cat goes outside for the first time. How can cat owners prepare for this change?
The microchipping procedure is fairly quick and simple, and usually costs between £10 and £30 at most vets. We also encourage owners to update their details if they move or change phone number for their already microchipped pets. For eligible pet owners, Mayhew offers free microchipping at our London clinic.
Does the new law apply to indoor cats as well? Yes, the legislation applies to all pet cats, including indoor cats. Even indoor cats can escape, especially through open windows and doors, making microchipping crucial for their identification. What are the benefits of microchipping compared to other identification methods?
Microchipping is a safer and more reliable method than collars, which can be lost or cause harm. Microchips have no internal power source, so they never wear out or become inactive.
To find out more, please visit themayhew.org/microchipping
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Mayhew’s Christmas concert raises spirits and funds
A huge thank you to our supporters
Willesden 28th Beaver Scouts
Thank you to Scout Leader Katina Doyle and her Willesden 28th Beaver Scouts (right) who invited Mayhew for a talk last month. We enjoyed the happy tales from the eager Beavers and wish them good luck fundraising for Mayhew so that they can get their paws on their Animal Friend Activity Badges.
What an incredible night we had at our Christmas concert at St Matthew’s in Ealing! It really was magical and special in so many ways including brilliant performances from two choirs and classically-trained soprano, Carly Paoli, plus special guest readers from TV and film; Rula Lenska, Beatie Edney, Lesley Nicol and Laura Aikman. We’d like to thank all of our guests, performers, speakers and sponsor Bruce’s Doggy Day Care, who all helped us raise important funds for the dogs and cats in our care.
Bruce’s Doggy Day Care
A special thanks to Bruce’s Doggy Day Care who generously sponsored our Christmas concert and helped to make the evening a great success!
Pictured above: Starling Arts choir and Little Voices soloists and choir. Pictured below: Beatie Edney, The Mayor of Ealing Cllr Hitesh Tailor, Sherine Wheeler, Carly Paoli, Matt Littlewood, Lesley Nicol, Rula Lenska, Roobarb.
Pictured left: Tracy Adams and Bruce Casalis with some of our fundraising team.
StarComm
StarComm, one of our valued corporate supporters, recently held a pawsome office fundraiser including a bake sale, raffle and a few of our TheraPaws dogs visiting their West London office. Together they raised an incredible £2,415! Not only did they raise much needed funds for Mayhew, they then volunteered their time to redecorate our staff den and brought it back to life! Thank you to the StarComm team (right) and we hope you all enjoyed your cat and kitten cuddles too.
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Join our #PawsomeTeam and sign up to a Challenge Event in 2024! Why not start your New Year by taking on an exhilarating challenge with purpose? Whether you prefer a leisurely stroll or you’re a seasoned runner, we have the perfect challenge for you to shake off those winter cobwebs.
At the same time you’ll be raising vital funds for Mayhew and making a difference in the lives of dogs and cats in need. Join our #PawsomeTeam and make a lasting impact by signing up for one of our exciting 2024 challenge events.
“My favourite Royal Parks Half Marathon moment was the achievement of finishing and knowing I’d raised some incredible funds to support the Mayhew Animal Home.” Kerry
2024 CHALLENGE EVENTS APRIL
Brighton 10k JULY
Asics London 10k
MAY
New sponsored walk coming soon! OCTOBER
Royal Parks Half
To find out more about signing up to a 2024 challenge event, please visit themayhew.org/events Company limited by guarantee no. 3837732. Registered Charity no. 1077588.