Blue Cross update D
ue to Covid-19 the Bromsgrove animal rehoming centre was closed for several weeks and there were limited numbers of staff on site to care for the animals. For a time, the charity wasn’t able to rehome the pets in our care and was limited to taking in emergency cases only. Happily, rehoming has begun again and anyone interested in taking on a pet can fill in an online form and arrange for introductions by appointment. Due to the pandamic the centre couldn’t host their annual Summer fete which usually attracts thousands of visitors and it is always wonderful for the team to catch up with pets they had rehomed to new owners. The event is always a big fundraiser for the charity so they were disappointed they didn’t have the opportunity to raise some much needed funds. Blue Cross in Bromsgrove is always grateful for the support of local animal lovers and know everyone who usually comes along really enjoys it, so the charity hopes to be able to host it again in 2021.
Top tips for the winter season
If left outside cats may seek warmth in dangerous car engines, or get trapped somewhere without access to food and water. Make sure their catflap doesn’t become frozen over and stuck so they can’t get back in. It is a good idea to keep them inside when it gets really cold, make sure they have a litter tray to use indoors. Make sure pets are not left outdoors for too long, just like us they can develop hypothermia if they
30 Completely Bromsgrove
remain in the cold for long periods. Small pets like rabbits and guinea pigs are particularly vulnerable and you may want to bring them inside if possible, or make sure they have extra bedding to keep them warm. Salt and grit can also be harmful to dogs and irritate their paws. After walks, wash their feet and make sure there is nothing stuck between their pads. Keep fur between pads trimmed to prevent ice-balls forming which can also be painful to them. Be very careful if it is icy outdoors and keep your dog on the lead if you may pass frozen water. Call for help but don’t go after your dog if they do run onto ice, it can be extremely dangerous. The Blue Cross pet rehoming centre in Bromsgrove rehomes hundreds of cats and dogs every year. To contact the centre call 0300 777 1460 or email bromsgrove@bluecross.org.uk Visit www.bluecross.org.uk to see all the pets currently needing a new home or to make a donation towards their care.
