Mayhew Magazine Summer 2016

The Mayhew Summer 2016

Helping animals and their carers since 1886

Check out our new vet clinic!

Staffies – a misjudged breed Everything you need to know about adopting a kitten

Issue 45

Mill Lane Veterinary Surgery Advanced medical care for your pets

Proud to support The Mayhew Animal Home Joshua Rusnak BVSc CertSAS MRCVS 68-70 Mill Lane, London NW6 1NJ www.mill-lane-vet.com

020 7794 1777 The Mayhew Animal Home are delighted to be pairing up with The Nomad Cinema for a dog-friendly, outdoor screening of

Best in Show on 3rd September at Queens Park London

What else is going on?

• Pooch & pal photo booth • Mayhew stalls • Free microchipping before the screening

by The Mayhew’s Animal Welfare team For ticket sales: www.wegottickets.com/nomadcinema/f/9965 For more information: www.themayhew.org/outdoor-screening or call 020 8206 5872 2

The Mayhew _ Summer 2016

Summer is coming

and we’ve had a great few months…

Our new expanded vet clinic is ready (meaning we’re able to treat lots more animals every year), we’ve reached our 130th birthday AND we recently won the Animal Charity Team of the Year Award at the Petplan & ADCH Animal Charity Awards! All of these huge achievements have only been possible because of you and your support, so a big thank you to all of you. Read on to find out more…

Contents News 4 A day in the life of our new clinic 6 Our volunteers 10 The Mayhew is 130 years old! 12 Find me a home 14 Staffies – a misjudged breed 16 Ask the expert 18 Our work in the community 20 FUNdraise for The Mayhew 22 Your letters: adopted & loved 24 My rescue and me 26 Hounds on the Heath Back cover

What we do: We help animals in need gain a better quality of life by delivering a broad range of communitybased animal care, education and welfare projects Many thanks to our photographers: Rowan Williams (for the front cover image and more: www.rophotographs.com), Bonnie Baker, Alissa Johnson, Kriszti Nagy, Yvonne White

To make a donation or to get in touch Write to: The Mayhew Animal Home Trenmar Gardens, Kensal Green, London, NW10 6BJ Telephone: 0 20 8206 5870 Email: support@mayhewanimalhome.org

Please pass on to a friend and recycle after reading.

Visit: www.themayhew.org

Printed on 100% recycled paper

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Registered charity no. 1077588 Registered in England and Wales Company limited by guarantee no. 3837732 VAT registration number: 820 4030 87

Follow us on Twitter @themayhew

News update Loving homes at last!

We were absolutely delighted when three of our longest staying kitties finally found their forever homes in March this year. Pipsqueak, Molly (right) and Cleo were all picked up by their new owners as we waved a fond farewell. Everyone is over the moon to see these cats finally get the loving homes they deserve. A big thank you to all of the cattery staff, volunteers and foster carers for helping to look after them, and also to the wonderful new owners who gave these previously overlooked beauties a home.

The Mayhew wins Animal Charity Team of the Year!

A giant thank you to everyone who nominated us in the PetPlan and ADCH Animal Charity Awards this year. We are so incredibly proud and delighted to be nominated and to go on and win the

award and be recognised for the all the hard work we put into helping animals and improving animal welfare is such an honour. All of which is only possible because of our wonderful supporters who nominated us and support us – a massive thank you to all of you!

An unlikely hero A heroic dog barked to the rescue when she found an abandoned cat in a pet carrier hidden in park bushes. Two year old English Cocker Spaniel, Maisie, instantly alerted her owner to the scene with persistent barking, who immediately brought the cat to The Mayhew. There was a note attached to the top of the carrier stating that the cat was five year old Lily, and asked for someone to please take care of her because she no longer had a home. Despite not having any access to food or water and not being able to escape from her carrier, Lily appeared to be in good health other than being very scared. We settled her into our cattery and we are pleased to report she has now been happily rehomed with a loving new family. Read the full story here: www.themayhew.org/dog-saves 4

The Mayhew _ Summer 2016

The adventures of Holby Ex-Mayhew dog Holby is a star! Author Sue Ding adopted Beagle Holby from The Mayhew and has now written a series of children’s books about her life and adventures with her friends. The first book in the collection, ‘Holby finds a home’, is about how she is adopted and goes to live with her new family. It’s a charming read for young ones with an important message about animal welfare and adopting from rescue shelters and Sue has generously offered The Mayhew a percentage of the proceeds from the sale of this first book. www.themayhew.org

Not only that, Sue recently ran the NYC Half Marathon for The Mayhew to raise money for our other animals looking for a home. Thank you Sue! The book costs £12.99 and you can buy it and the other books here: www.holbysadventures.com 5

A day in the life… of our vet clinic

Vet Dr Áine Macguire prepares the surgical area

Mornings in the clinic are often spent doing back-to-back neutering surgeries. Once the animal is anaesthetised, the area to be operated on is shaved and thoroughly cleaned with antiseptic.

Our brand new veterinary clinic extension, the ‘Jeanne Marchig Veterinary Suite & Training Wing,’ is now open and operational so what better time to show you what really goes on in the clinic. From nail clips, vaccinations and dealing with medical cases to surgery and post-op recovery, there is never a quiet moment!

Pamela Matos, Registered Veterinary Nurse, checking her patient’s heart rate

Outpatients and their owners are greeted by our lovely receptionist Jackie Delves when they arrive in the morning.

Each animal that is under anaesthetic is carefully monitored by our Registered Veterinary Nurses to make sure their heart rate and respiration remains steady and they receive the highest quality care at all times.

5 we In 201 d 2062 e r e t neu ls in anima et the v clinic

The n Photograph credit

ew cl has 2 inic opera t theat ing res

Animals who will be undergoing surgery are pre-medicated before being given an anaesthetic by a member of the vet team.

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The Mayhew _ Summer 2016

Once ready to operate, our vet will spend 5 minutes scrubbing their hands so they are completely sterile.

Dr Ursula Goetz, Chief Vet, scrubbing her hands before going into surgery

www.themayhew.org

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In the afternoons we run Nurse clinics where we offer non-surgical treatment such as general health checks, weight management, microchipping and dog and cat care advice.

Surgeries are performed quickly and efficiently so the animal spends the minimum amount of time under anaesthetic.

Registered Veterinary Nurse Laura Cashman keeping a watchful eye on her patient

Our c an ap linic is pro train ved in centr g e for v et vet n s and urses

ve We ha nd sa t e v 4 ses 8 nur r in ou clinic

The animal is then carefully transferred to a cosy post-operative cabin where they are kept warm with blankets and heat pads until they come round.

Animals recover much faster than humans and are usually up, awake and ready to go home the very same day.

This feral cat has its ear clipped to show that we have neutered it and the wound is cauterised. Once fully recovered from the surgery, our Animal Welfare Officers will return the cat to its feral colony as part of our Trap, Neuter, Return programme.

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The Mayhew _ Summer 2016

To find out more about our vet clinic services call 020 8962 8017 or visit www.themayhew.org/vet-clinic

www.themayhew.org

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Our volunteers This issue we are talking to two of our behind-the-scenes volunteers who help in the Fundraising & Marketing department. Both Rowan Williams and Bonnie Baker are professional photographers who generously lend us their time and skills to photograph our beautiful animals at The Mayhew and also capture the scene at many of our events. Read on to find out more about these two lovely volunteers!

Rowan Williams How did you first hear about The Mayhew?

When I first moved to Kensal Rise in 2008 I had to leave my cat behind with my sister in Sheffield. Life felt very cold without a four-legged friend so I discovered The Mayhew in my search to adopt a cat.

Bonnie Baker How did you first hear about The Mayhew?

I first discovered The Mayhew when I became self-employed a few years back and was looking into animal shelters to volunteer with.

When did you start volunteering?

In 2013 The Mayhew Facebook page did a reach out for photographers for the Hyde Bark event. As a photographer and a dog lover, I leapt at the chance!

What made you want to get involved?

I’ve always loved dogs however my work and current lifestyle in London

means it is not a responsible choice for me to take one on permanently.

Volunteering allows me to help many dogs rather than just one at a time; I don’t have a lot of money for donating directly, so giving my skills instead fulfils my altruism. And I get to cuddle dogs!

When volunteering for us, tell us about what kind of things you get up to?

I mainly photograph events such as Hyde Bark/Hounds on the Heath and Tinsel & Tails, but I also visit whenever I can to photograph the animals available for adoption.

What do you like most about volunteering at The Mayhew?

Actually, it’s helped me as much as it has helped the animals I’ve photographed as it’s great to get away from the computer screen! It’s also helped me improve my photography skills and meet interesting people at The Home and events. The only problem is when a particular animal steals your heart and you can’t take them home, but it feels good to know they’re in great hands at The Mayhew.

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The Mayhew _ Summer 2016

When did you start volunteering?

Sadly the cat I adopted died in an accident when he was only 5 years old.

I wasn’t ready to adopt another pet but I wanted to help another animal so I started fostering both cats and dogs.

I thought it was going to be heart breaking to hand them back, but actually it felt great knowing they were going on to their forever home.

What do you like most about volunteering at The Mayhew?

I really love working with animals as I get to cuddle my subjects! They don’t always behave for the camera and it’s great practice for me. They keep me on my toes! Aside from that, the staff at The Mayhew are always so fun and friendly to work with.

Anything else you’d like to tell us?

I regularly host a pop-up photo booth to raise funds for The Mayhew. If you would like some nice snaps of you and What made you want to get involved? your pooch I’ll be taking photos at Hounds on the Heath (10th July) and I know there are so many abandoned and stray animals out there and charities The Nomad Cinema screening of Best in Show at Queens Park (3rd Sept). like The Mayhew will always need Alternatively, if you book a wedding or support. Being self-employed I don’t always have the finances to donate, but portrait photo shoot with me and mention The Mayhew, I will donate 10% of the cost since I am in charge of my own diary, of your purchased package to The what I can do is give my time.

Mayhew. You can see my work and When volunteering for us, tell us about contact me at www.rophotographs.com. what kind of things you get up to?

I’m a professional photographer so I take photos when and where I can. I have Interested in volunteering? Visit done some photos for the calendars, www.themayhew.org/volunteering portraits of the individual cats and dogs, to find out more. documentary photography in the vet clinic and event photography at special events. www.themayhew.org

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Happy 130th Birthday to The Mayhew!

Can you believe it… The Mayhew is a whopping 130 years old this year! Enclosed with this magazine is a leaflet which tells you all about our journey from our humble beginnings in 1886 as a Home for Starving and Deserted Cats to the present day. We’ve achieved so much over the last 130 years, things that have only been possible because of our supporters, helping us every step of the way. So a massive THANK YOU to all of you!

Dog jute bag: £6.50 Cat jute bag: £6.50

To help us celebrate this milestone why not purchase one of our limited edition commemorative products? They make the purrfect keepsake or gift and are available to purchase by phone, on our online shop, at our events and from The Mayhew’s reception.

Car window sticker: £2.00

Dog mug: £5.00 Cat mug: £5.00

A5 dog notebook with pen: £5.99

Cat button badge: £1.00

A5 cat notebook with pen: £5.99

Dog button badge: £1.00

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The Mayhew _ Summer 2016

www.themayhew.org

Buy online www.themayhew.org/shop or order by phone 020 8206 5870

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Find me a home Here are just some of the lovely cats and dogs patiently waiting at The Mayhew for their forever home. Please help us to find their new families.

Lilly: 7 years old (Female) Breed: Shar Pei Likes: Playing with my toys and eating roast potatoes!

Essentials: I would like an owner who can be at home most of the day as I don’t like to be left alone for long.

Buddy (Male) and Emily (Female): both 5 years old Breed: Terrier mix (Buddy) and Kelpie cross (Emily) Likes: Emily loves snuggling and Buddy loves to hang out with Emily Essentials: We are looking for a calm, quiet home together 14

The Mayhew _ Summer 2016

P out lease pu pin-bo and displayll ar o whered or in a wi n a ndow lots of pe will se e me! ople Hope help, o fully, with u y will be r forever h our om found sooner es !

Hattie: 3 years old (Female) Likes: People watching & getting lots of fuss Essentials: I am adorable and have tons of personality – even if I do say so myself!

Jazz: 3 years old (Male) Likes: A good scratch behind the ears and debating the news of the day!

Essentials: I am super active and intelligent and would love a garden.

Phyllis: 10 years old (Female) Likes: Giving out head butts to say ‘I love you’ Essentials: I need check-ups to keep an eye on my kidneys.

Bowie: 2 years old (Male) Likes: Going on adventures Essentials: I suffer from stress related urinary issues – The Mayhew can help with the costs for my treatment.

Hera: 2 years old (Female) Breed: German Shepherd crossbreed Likes: Learning new things – I’m very intelligent!

Essentials: I am a little nervous of strangers but once I get to know you I’m very affectionate.

Tallula: 9 years old (Female) Breed: Shih Tzu Likes: Playing with my tennis balls Essentials: I am blind but this doesn’t stop me from doing anything!

To find out more about these animals and other Mayhew residents please visit: Cats: www.themayhew.org/cats Dogs: www.themayhew.org/dogs Or telephone: 020 8962 8000

www.themayhew.org

You can help us rescue more dogs and cats and find them loving homes by making a donation: www.themayhew.org/donate

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Staffies – a misjudged breed The Mayhew’s Animal Welfare Manager, Zoe Edwards, has a lot of experience working with Staffies and deals with the many strays that come through our doors. “Staffies love being around people; they bond quickly with their owner and are very eager to please.

Unfortunately all of these wonderful traits can go against this breed if they end up in the hands of an irresponsible owner who wants to train them and use them for negative purposes,” explains Zoe.

Above: Maria as a puppy at The Mayhew Below: enjoying her new home

struggles making friends but having such a strong bond with Maria has given him much more confidence. I can really see the difference in him since she came to live with us.

When we go out walking she is always friendly to everyone we meet. We have come across a couple of people who are scared of dogs but when they met Maria they had the courage to stroke her. She is The first time my son James and I just so bubbly and friendly that people feel at ease with her. And even other dogs saw a picture of Maria on The Mayhew that are not so friendly seem to get along Facebook page, we were down in with Maria, because she is so lovable and London visiting family. She was just a doesn’t have a nasty bone in her body. puppy and was adorably cute so James When it was Maria’s first birthday our got really excited and begged me to call postman delivered our post early as he the adoption team. Needless to say I knew we had ordered some toys and caved in! treats for her. He called to the door When we finally met Maria you could because he wanted to make sure that see there was an instant bond between her and James and we both immediately she got to open her presents in the fell in love with her. She was as mad as a morning! When she sees him she goes hatter but we are used to that, we are just completely soppy and has to always go one big mad family so she fits right in! and say hello if we see him out walking.

I can honestly say we wouldn’t be It’s now been 18 months since we got without her, or any of our other pets, as Maria and I can honestly say it was the they are what make our family whole. best decision ever. James is autistic and

Above: Maria with James

However, Staffies are intelligent, affectionate and tolerant dogs who are easy to train, which is why they make such loving and loyal family pets when matched with the right owner. Read on to hear about a Mayhew adopter who tells us about Maria, her Staffie and English Bull Terrier cross who has made a huge difference to her family.

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The Mayhew _ Summer 2016

Could you give a supersweet Staffie a home? Check out our website to meet our Staffies and other dogs looking for a home: www.themayhew.org/dogs

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Ask the expert: bringing home a kitten Adopting a kitten can be a very exciting time but before you take the plunge, make sure you’re prepared to give your kitten everything it needs. The Mayhew’s Cat Welfare Coordinator, Georgina Disney, explains all.

One kitten or two?

Adopting a kitten is a huge responsibility but one thing to consider is how many kittens to adopt. You may have never thought about getting more than one but, just like human children, kittens get bored easily if they do not get enough stimulation. Having two kittens provides the perfect stimulation for each other as they can play together whilst you are out.

It is often found that single kittens who are left alone all day will be far needier when you come home and can get over exuberant during playtime (as they have been bored while on their own), leading to accidental bites and scratches. In fact, single kittens in general tend to bite and scratch more even if you are at home all day because another kitten is the best one to teach the other that biting and scratching hurts!

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The Mayhew _ Summer 2016

Can I leave my kitten alone?

We appreciate that owners cannot watch their kitten 24 hours a day (for example, when you are sleeping) but remember that kittens get into all sorts of mischief and your house should be kitten proofed before you bring them home. Kittens love to explore and if you are not there to supervise you may get home to find the kitten missing, crammed into a small space you’d never even imagined a kitten could get into.

We recommend you don’t leave your kitten alone for more than 4 hours at a time and when you do have to go out, make sure there are plenty of safe toys for them to play with so they don’t get lonely or bored. It’s never too early to start them on food enrichment as well, but try a nice easy toy to begin with, such as a toilet roll pyramid. It’s also a

good idea to have a play session with them just before you leave to wear them out so they will sleep for a while once you leave. Leaving the radio or TV on will soften out any sudden background noises to minimise the chance of the kitten being startled whilst you are out.

What if I already have a cat?

If you have a cat already and are introducing a new single kitten into the home, be aware that you can’t introduce them to the other cat straight away. The adult cat may not want to play with the kitten as they have different energy levels and different interests and is therefore not an appropriate playmate for a kitten. It would be like asking a 29 year old (equivalent to a 3 year old cat) www.themayhew.org

to play with Barbie or Action Man with a 3 year old child!

How can I keep my kitten safe at home?

Remove fragile items from window sills, tidy away wires and block off any small spaces. Some toys are also dangerous to leave with an unaccompanied kitten such as dangly toys with string on them which could get wrapped around your kitten’s neck for example.

Ready to adopt a kitten or a cat?

Please visit our website to see our kitties looking for their forever home: www.themayhew.org/cats

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Our work in the community Our Animal Welfare Officers work tirelessly to respond to animal crisis situations in the community and to help owners and their animals, whatever their circumstances are.

Our Animal Welfare Officers were recently alerted to a thin Cocker Spaniel who had been seen tied up on numerous occasions in the Brent area during the day by the Brent Dog Warden. Local residents reported that they’d seen the dog tied up for a few hours and then it would disappear.

We discovered that the dog belonged to a family, who have a young child, who had sadly lost their home all of a sudden and were temporarily living in a local hostel, which did not allow dogs. The dog, named Mayki, meant absolutely everything to them and they were terrified that their difficult living circumstances might cause them to be torn apart from him. They were doing everything they could to keep their beloved dog and the father was actually sleeping in their car at night with him because he wasn’t allowed in the shelter.

At the grand old age of 14, Mayki is an elderly boy who is also blind and deaf, and would have been heartbroken to be 20

The Mayhew _ Summer 2016

taken away from his family who he’d lived with since he was a pup. During the day they tied him up in a park directly outside of their hostel so they could keep an eye on him, while they continued to search for a home.

Unfortunately due to the stress of the situation and the fact that the family couldn’t afford to buy Mayki much food, his weight went down and he became quite thin. The family were devastated that they could not give Mayki everything he needed, but despite all that they were going through, they were determined not to give up on their dog.

Our Animal Welfare Manager, Zoe Edwards, said: “It was extremely clear that Mayki is so important to this family, including the small child, and they were broken hearted to not to be able to give Mayki the care and comforts he was used to, especially in his twilight years. There was no way they were going to let the tough situation they were in part them from their dog.”

Above: Our Animal Welfare Officer, Tania Mazzoni, with Mayki and his owner

Thankfully our Animal Welfare Officers reached the family in time and provided food for Mayki and brought him into our Vet Clinic for veterinary care including health checks, vaccinations, neutering and dental care. After a little while the hostel also learnt of Mayki’s situation and made a special exception, letting his owners sneak him in during the evenings.

“At The Mayhew, our Animal Welfare Officers want to help and support people’s animals in crisis situations as much as we possibly can. We are completely non-judgemental and we encourage people who find themselves in a crisis situation to get in contact with us as soon as they can.” www.themayhew.org

Thankfully Mayki is now back to a healthy weight and his owners have moved into a new home where Mayki can spend his elderly years. Our Animal Welfare Officers will continue to keep in contact with Mayki’s family and check up on how he is doing.

Find out more about our Animal Welfare Officers and their work in communities across London here: www.themayhew.org/rescue

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FUNdraise for The Mayhew!

Would you like to do something fun, exciting AND raise money for The Mayhew’s animals all at the same time?

Our PAWsome Team is back in full force again this year and we have lots of great ways you can fundraise for us. All the money you raise will go towards helping to care for and rehome our dogs and cats and you’ll have fun and do some good at the same time. What more could you want?!

Hold your own Tea Paw-ty Event can take place any time and anywhere!

Host your own Tea Paw-ty any time, anywhere in aid of The Mayhew Animal Home. At home, at work or in a venue the possibilities are endless!

Ideas for Fundraising: • Ask guests to donate what they would usually spend in a coffee shop • Ask for a donation for a piece of cake or biscuit • Hold a raffle • Hold games e.g guess the brand of tea So if you’d like to ‘Have a brew for The Mayhew’ or ‘a cuppa for a pet’s supper’ then register your event on our website and we will send you a pack to help you on your way!

Be a PAWsome fundraiser!

Register your Tea Paw-ty here: www.themayhew.org/tea-paw-ty

The Vitality British 10K, London 10th July Starts time: 9.35am Distance: 10km The prestigious British 10K London is one of the most popular and successful challenge events in the UK and usually has a whopping 25,000 runners! Now’s your chance to run the most iconic road race in the UK all in aid of The Mayhew’s homeless animals. The route takes you past many historic landmarks including Piccadilly, St James’ Palace, Westminster Bridge and Big Ben and the race is suitable for all abilities.

Be a PAWsome fundraiser!

Registration fee: £25 Minimum sponsorship: £200

To find out more, contact Issy Fitzgerald in our events team 020 8206 5872 or issy@mayhewanimalhome.org

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The Mayhew _ Summer 2016

www.themayhew.org

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Your letters – adopted & loved We love to hear about how our ex-Mayhew animals are doing in their new homes and it’s so rewarding to see them happy and loving life! Here are a few of our favourite updates we’ve received over the last few months.

Mac Hi Mayhew team, I adopted Mackie in 2005 as a six month old puppy and now more than ten years on, he is happier than ever, although with a few white hairs now starting to show through!

He has brought lots of happiness to our lives and loves having cuddles, long walks, eating the post and going into town to spend the day at the office with my partner. He has had several nice holidays down in Devon, where he loves running on the beach and swimming in the sea!

He has been a fantastic family pet and the children adore him. Thank you to the wonderful Mayhew team who placed him in our family over a decade ago.

Best wishes Sarah and family x

Poppy (previously Shadow) Dear Mayhew, Poppy is a lovely, friendly cat, enthusiastic about everything in life. She loves to sit by me when I play the piano and sits on Pat when she watches the television. She has even been very sympathetic when I’ve been ill, checking on me regularly and sitting on me or next to me to take my mind off things. We renamed her Poppy because she’s very bright and always popping from one thing to another - it seems to suit her perfectly!

China (formerly Pumpkin) Hi Lisa & team Mayhew, China has grown in confidence and is such a huge part of the family now. Initially she was too scared to go out in the car, garden or upstairs but she is now very comfortable with us.

She recently passed her mock exam for her Bronze award for ‘Good Citizenship’ ... our fingers and paws are crossed for the actual exam! We can’t thank you enough for saving China and allowing us to have her. She is such a beautiful character; comical, affectionate and fiery all at the same time. I think we needed her as much as she needed us... We can’t imagine life without her!

With kindest regards, The Thompsons (Zoe, Maurice, Harvey & Jada ...& China too!)

Floyd (previously Dominic) Dear Matthew & team, Floyd has been living with us for the last 6 months.

He has so far caught a little bit of wood, a leaf and an ant. So whilst not the world’s best hunter, he IS the best cuddler. He is the only cat we have ever met that likes being picked up and carried around. He is such a friendly boy and waits by the door every night for us to get home. He is having the time of his life, proven by his constant purring.

Snuggling up next to us on the sofa with his Mayhew blanket is his favourite way to while away an evening. He also bizarrely likes going out in the rain, although not for long - he misses us!

Thank you to Matthew & the team at The Mayhew!

Best wishes Michelle, Ian & Floyd x

Martin

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The Mayhew _ Summer 2016

www.themayhew.org

To share your stories, please get in touch by writing to The Mayhew Animal Home, Trenmar Gardens, Kensal Green, London, NW10 6BJ or email support@mayhewanimalhome.org

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My rescue & me When Isa was viciously attacked by a gang in 2007, she was devastated to be left blind in one eye. After her German Shepherd rescue dog, Indie, passed away the following year, she enquired about a guide dog but was told there was a two year waiting list. Isa decided to take matters into her own hands and visited The Mayhew where she met her handsome gentle giant, Pepe, who changed her life completely.

Pepe, a German Shepherd, arrived at The Mayhew in July 2008 (then called Hancock) after being found as a stray by the Brent dog wardens. He was quite underweight and dirty and our vet team discovered he suffered from an ear condition and mild hip dysplasia, causing him stiffness and pain in his hips. Our kennels team cleaned him up and fed him a nutritious diet to get his weight up but he found life in kennels stressful so he went into foster care with Ashley. Soon enough, he was back to full health and ready to be adopted.

When Isa came in search of a dog she could train to assist her she knew Pepe would be perfect and a few weeks later she took him home, where they become inseparable. “He was my eyes and my sidekick,” explains Isa. “Even though he had a difficult start in life himself, he kept me going when I needed him most. He even saved my life once – one day I went to step out into the road, unaware that it wasn’t safe, and he pulled me back. I hate to think 26

The Mayhew _ Summer 2016

Above: Pepe relaxing in the garden

what would have happened if he hadn’t been there.”

Isa remembers Prince, another German Shepherd, who came to The Mayhew in 2013 after being found lying on rubbish tip, left for dead. Sadly, Prince was in such a terrible state by the time our Animal Welfare Officers found him that we were unable to save him.

The only thing we could do was make him comfortable and show him love and care in his final hours. “Prince’s story touched me deeply as he reminded me so much of my dear Pepe. I hope that

Above: Pepe getting hydrotherapy

Above: Getting his daily exercise in the park

my story can act as a tribute in some way to both Prince and Pepe, showing what wonderful and inspiring dogs they were, even though they had both suffered such neglect and cruelty during their lives.”

A big advocate for rescue animals, Isa urges people looking for a pet to go to shelters where there are amazing animals who are desperate for a loving home. “Taking on a rescue pet, even one with medical conditions like Pepe, is so rewarding and really enriches your life. Just because an animal is damaged or broken, please don’t give up on them.

They deserve a break too. ” Sadly, Pepe passed away in January this year and, although deeply saddened

by the loss, Isa is slowly coming to terms with life without him. “He was not just a dog, but my best friend.” She now looks back fondly and feels honoured to have had such an inspiring friend who remains forever in her heart.

If you’ve lost a pet recently, why not think about making a donation to The Mayhew in memoriam of your loved one? Your donation will go towards helping our homeless cats and dogs find their forever families. To donate visit www.themayhew.org/donate