Summer 2012 - Wood Green

Animals Matter
Summer 2012
Celebrating 25 years at King’s
Bush Farm in Godmanchester
News from our three centres
The Animals Charity
The rewards of rehoming
a senior pet
Registered Charity No. 298348
www.woodgreen.org.uk
We promise to
care if you can’t.
In this issue...
4
News & Events
6
25 tails from
Wood Green
The latest news from our
three centres
We celebrate 25 years at
our Godmanchester Centre
with a look back at stories
that hit the headlines
8
How would you guarantee your pet’s welfare if you were no longer
around? Pet Promise could be the answer. This FREE scheme from
Wood Green, The Animals Charity ensures that should you become
hospitalised, seriously ill, need residential care,
or pass away, your pet will be in safe hands.
For more information please call the
Pet Promise team on 0844 248 8181.
2
Animals Matter | Autumn 2011
Old Friends
Catching up with some
of our former residents
10
Pet pensioners
11
Christmas catalogue
15
Ask Wood Green
16
Fundraising thanks
18
FOND MEMORIES
20
A DAY IN THE LIFE
22
Dates for your diary
23
Animals looking
for homes
The rewards of rehoming
an older pet
With all proceeds going to the
animals in our care
Sue Ketland offers advice
for grandparents with
visiting children
Giving thanks to everyone who
has raised money for us
Tributes to some old friends
With Sakura Anderson, Deputy
Manager of the London Centre
The latest events taking
place at our centres
A selection of our animals
currently up for rehoming
The Animals Charity
Registered Charity No. 298348
Animals
Matter
Welcome
Hello, and welcome to our Summer issue of Animals Matter.
We start off with some sad news; we were very sorry to hear
recently of the deaths of two people who both had a long
association with Wood Green. We pay tribute to Joan Doherty
and Veronica Witten on page four.
This year sees us marking the 25th anniversary of the opening
of our centre at King’s Bush Farm in Godmanchester. We were
delighted to see so many old friends, both two and four legged,
at our Pet Blessing at Ely Cathedral back in April, and hope to
see just as many of you at our Animal Day on September 16th
at our Godmanchester Centre. September will also see the
official opening of our new surgery and intake kennels while
our Christmas Carol Concerts at Heydon Church and St Mary’s
Church in Godmanchester will bring a very busy 2012 to a close.
Christmas may seem a long way off, but as you flick through the
magazine you will see a selection of our Christmas cards for sale
– all proceeds will go towards the animals in our care.
Finally we would like to thank you for your continued support,
we only exist because of the kindness of our supporters.
Best wishes,
Dennis Baker OBE
Chief Executive
Editor: Gill Blatch
Editorial contributions: Sue Ketland & Sakura Anderson
Design by www.brandman.co.uk.
Printed by Gildenburgh Ltd.
Godmanchester Centre (HQ)
King’s Bush Farm, London Road, Godmanchester,
Cambridgeshire PE29 2NH
© Copyright Wood Green, The Animals Charity is the
Registered Trademark of Wood Green Animal Shelters,
Registered Charity No. 298348.
Heydon Centre
Highway Cottage, Heydon,
Hertfordshire SG8 8PN
Tel: Email: Visit: London Centre
601 Lordship Lane, Wood Green,
London N22 5LG
0844 248 8181
info@woodgreen.org.uk
www.woodgreen.org.uk
Wood Green | The Animals Charity
3
Read all
about it!
Raffle results
We are delighted to announce the winners of our first ever
raffle! The raffle was a huge success, with over 45,000 tickets
Ely pet
blessing
sold, and we plan to hold another later in the year. The draw
took place on Friday 4th May, and the winners were informed
Despite the poor weather
by post.
we were delighted to see
so many people at our
The winners were as follows:
1st Prize: (£1,000) Mr J Penfold,
Essex (0314795)
annual Pet Blessing service
at Ely Cathedral on Sunday
29th April. Many of our
former canine friends joined
2nd Prize: (£500) Miss M Jones,
Cambridgeshire (0405710)
in our parade, and we were
3rd Prize: (£250) Mrs J Johnson,
Lutterworth (0556694)
record for the loudest purr
also joined by Smokey the
cat, who holds the world
in the world! Thank you to
everyone who braved the
We were deeply saddened to hear of the death of two
of our friends and colleagues in May this year.
Joan Doherty
Swan
rescue!
Joan worked at Wood Green for
more than 20 years and even after
her official “retirement”, still found the
time to help us on a voluntary basis
at various events as well as in the
charity shop at King’s Bush Farm. Her
particular love was always the cats and an abiding memory
is of Joan sneaking into the cattery after it had closed for the
The staff at Wood Green are used to dealing with a wide
evening, to hand-feed them special treats. We will all miss her,
variety of animals, so it didn’t come as a great surprise when
and send our deepest sympathies to her family.
we were recently asked to help out with a swan! A member
Veronica Witten
of the public had found the bird lying in the middle of a
footpath, looking dazed, close to our London Centre, and
came in to ask for our help. Manager Katie Wickins brought
Veronica worked as a volunteer in our
the bird in, in order to check him over for any wounds and
St Ives and Godmanchester shops
give him a quiet space to rest, before contacting the local
(0013790), Miss S Thorne, Ross-on-Wye (0053423),
for the last five years, more recently
swan rescue group. It’s not uncommon for swans to fight over
Miss K Jump, London (0018051).
alongside her husband Gary. She was
territory, and we believe this is how he ended up where he
a lovely lady who always had a warm
did. The next day he was declared fit, and a volunteer from
welcome for her customers, and will
the local rescue group released him into a lake where other
be sadly missed by all the staff and
swans live in large groups. A happy ending!
Runners up – Mr R Howe, Dyfed (0089774), K Wilk,
Cambridgeshire (0083441), Mrs K Bowdidge, London
Thank you to everyone who took part!
Rita
elements to attend.
Car boot
kittens
A lady browsing around a
volunteers who knew her. We would like to send our sympathies
to her family, in particular to Gary.
car boot sale earlier this
year was shocked to see a
amongst the items for sale.
Danniella Westbrook
The quick thinking animal
Former Eastenders
lover offered to take the kittens, who she described as
actress Danniella
cold and frightened, to Wood Green’s Godmanchester
Westbrook contacted our
Centre where they could be rehomed to a loving family.
Godmanchester Centre at
Manager of Cat Welfare Juliette Jones said: “We are seeing
the start of the year, as
situations like this on a regular basis because there are so
she was looking for a dog
We were overwhelmed by the response we had to an appeal we
many kittens out there and they are too readily available
and keen that it be from a
put out for Rita, a little dog who came into our Godmanchester
through the wrong channels and for so little money. It is
rescue centre. After a few
Centre urgently needing an operation in May. Rita had a fractured
illegal to sell animals at car boot sales without a licence
weeks we found the perfect
pelvis after being hit by a car, and was in a great deal of pain.
and while there is nothing to stop anyone selling their pet
match for her family; a
Within five hours of putting out an appeal, via our Facebook page
online or through an advert in a shop window, we would
Staffie cross puppy who they
and through an e-mail, we had reached our target of £5,000.
urge people to contact their local rescue centre before
named Alfie. Danniella has
Rita’s operation took place the following day, and after three days
buying or selling a pet.” We are happy to report that the
been in regular contact with us keeping us updated on Alfie’s
she was well enough to be discharged into the care of a foster
kittens, who were fit and healthy despite their ordeal, have
progress and antics – as you can see he’s certainly landed
family, who looked after her until a permanent home was found.
now been rehomed.
on his paws!
pair of nine-week old kittens
4
www.woodgreen.org.uk/news
The latest news from Wood Green...
www.woodgreen.org.uk | Donation Hotline 0844 875 0150
Roma
A cat who arrived at our
London Centre earlier this year
highlighted the importance of
microchipping your pet. The
appropriately named Roma
had been missing for four years when she was brought into us,
but thanks to her microchip we were able to reunite her with her
amazed family, who had long since given up hope of ever finding
her. Owner Maxine Keating lives in Tottenham, less
than half a mile away from where Roma was found.
To update yourself on the
latest news here at Wood
Green, visit the News pages
on our website,
www.woodgreen.org.uk/news
Wood Green | The Animals Charity
5
Tails
from Wood Green
1
25
This year Wood Green is celebrating the 25th
anniversary of our Godmanchester Centre
opening. Your support has enabled us to help
thousands of animals and fund all manner of
projects in that time, both at King’s Bush Farm
and at our London and Heydon Centres. Here
are just 25 tails from Wood Green’s archives,
showing the wide range of our work and the
differences your contributions have made…
6
In one of the worst
cruelty cases the
having been deliberately set on fire. Thankfully she
Charity had ever seen, a
pulled through and was rehomed with a family who
severely emaciated dog
gave her the love and care she deserved.
was brought in to our
7
Godmanchester Centre.
It was touch and go for
the first few days if Rusty, as he was
care from our veterinary team, Rusty pulled through and went to
live permanently with his foster family.
2
3
A legacy of £1.4 million enabled us to build new
homing kennels for our dogs. The Coco Markus
kennels were officially opened in April 2003.
Just before Christmas 2006 a stray goat named Bob was
brought to us by the RSPCA. It was clear that Bob had not
been given the right care and attention for some time; for
the first three days he could barely even move from his bed such
was his condition. Once he had recovered Bob was rehomed to an
experienced home with lots of other goats for company.
4
After acting as a permanent sanctuary for elderly cats
for some years, in 2006 our London Centre decided to
suffering terribly from cat flu each needed an
operation to remove an infected eye; thankfully all
8
9
In April 2010 we officially opened our Rabbit Recovery
Unit, a place for ill or stressed rabbits to recover in
peace before finding a new home.
who was seen being
thrown from the back
treatment by our veterinary
team. Sadly Boris’s leg could not
be saved, but it hasn’t stopped
him from finding a loving new home and living life to the full with
his new friend Pip.
12
Seven Spanish cats travelled to our London Centre
after their elderly owner, who had volunteered for us
many years before, passed away. The gentleman had
requested we find homes for his cats in the event of his death,
and happily we were able to do so.
13
named Chance, who was
brought in by his owners as they trusted
us to find him a suitable and very special
the building since 1974!
10
smaller furry friends too.
21
Two nine-week-old kittens were rescued from a car
boot sale after being spotted by a member of the
public. Thankfully the pair were in good health and
quickly found loving new homes.
22
25 mice were found
dumped in Cambridge on
to start looking for new homes.
16
already died; the remaining 17 were
23
A pregnant dog
Our Paw 2 Door scheme, which had already been
running for cats, launched for dogs in early 2012. The
scheme rehomes pets without the need for them to
come into one of our centres.
ex-battery hens, restoring them to full health before
finding happy new homes for them.
a freezing January day
this year. Sadly eight of the mice had
In 2008 our Godmanchester Centre started rehoming
24
A little Jack Russell hit the headlines in 2010, finding
his way back home to his family an astonishing five
years after he first went missing. Nobody knows what
named Jessie
adventures he got up to in that time, but it was all thanks to his
highlighted the
microchip that he could finally be reunited with his delighted owners.
importance of foster care after
to make much needed
being struck down with a case
25
eight healthy puppies. Thanks to the dedicated care of
In June 2006 The Countess of Wessex opened brand
more nervous residents in particular
two foster families, both Mum and pups are now healthy
new facilities for the cats and kittens in our care,
feel safe and secure while they look
and happily rehomed.
funded by a generous legacy.
for new homes.
www.woodgreen.org.uk | Donation Hotline 0844 875 0150
importance of neutering not just cats and dogs, but some of our
saw her being thrown out of a car window in a rubbish
has its own individual unit, helping our
over the
years...
were pregnant! The story acted as a reminder of the
in to our Heydon Centre after a member of the public
effort we were finally able
1933
This year we’re opening our brand new surgery and
intake kennels, enabling us to continue to offer first class
care to every animal that comes through our doors.
None of this would have been possible with you
thank you!
home to all of our dogs
and field animals.
Dr Margaret Young
becomes involved with
the Charity and changes
its aims to rescuing and
rehoming these unwanted
animals, and giving them
a rightfully deserved
second chance in life.
took in 45 guinea pigs from one household, 17 of which
15
dying shortly after giving birth to
Louisa Snow opens our
first centre at a small
house on Lordship Lane
in Wood Green. She is
concerned at the number
of homeless animals on
the streets following
the First World War.
House” in late 2011.
brought to our Godmanchester Centre
animal ambulance and reach more animals in need.
at our Heydon Centre. Each cat now
LOOKING
BACK
new accommodation, with the opening of “Harvey’s
A heavily pregnant cat named Pepper was brought
generous legacy of £10,000, enabling us to buy an
of acute mastitis and nearly
1924
horse in desperate need of a blood transfusion.
14
17
After a massive fundraising
and Cherokee, stepped in to save the life of another
The prolific sports writer Louis Stanley left us a very
home. Chance went to live with a blind
cat named Lewis.
20
The small animal section at our Godmanchester Centre
refurbished London Centre, the first major overhaul of
ordeal and were later all successfully rehomed.
seven-week old blind puppy
19
Our ferrets became the latest animals to benefit from
April 2008 saw the official opening of our newly
bag. Amazingly both Mum and the unborn kittens survived the
We found a new family for a
18
Two of our resident Riding for the Disabled horses, Bilbo
of a van needed emergency
improvements to our cat accommodation
put 40 more mature moggies up for rehoming; 22-year-
old Byron turned out to be the first of many success stories.
5
Five kittens brought in to our London Centre
made a full recovery and were successfully rehomed.
named, would even survive, but thanks to the round-the-clock
6
A rabbit named Delilah arrived at King’s Bush Farm
11
A shaggy lurcher
1954
The Charity expands with the
purchase of a small pig farm
in Heydon, Hertfordshire.
19 87
Our third centre, King’s Bush
Farm in Godmanchester,
opens. The 52-acre site
becomes the Charity’s
headquarters as well as
2008
The Charity launches
its “Hands On” scheme,
teaching responsible pet
ownership and supporting
owners in the community.
2011
We changed
our name from Wood Green
Animal Shelters to Wood
Green, The Animals Charity
to reflect our progressive,
modern nature. A new
logo and website were
also launched to reflect
this change.
Wood Green | The Animals Charity
7
Tasha & Cassie
I rehomed these two beautiful older ladies in April 2007 and
would not be without them now. People don’t always want older
cats but it is extremely rewarding and just as much fun – Miss Tite
OLD
FRIENDS
Catching up with
some of the pets
who have left us
to go to loving
new homes...
Willow
Maria Irwin sent in this picture of her newly rehomed cat
Willow, making firm friends with the family dog Pippa!
HONEY
We adopted Honey in May 2008 when she was around a year old. She settled in very quickly and is
incredibly loyal and gives us so much love. She smiles all the time and we can’t imagine life without
her, we get a lively and loving welcome even when returning to a room! – Liz & Peter Thomas
Bruno
Bruno has been very much loved from the very first time we saw him; we brought him
home and from that first day he became the master and us his housekeepers! We’ve
nearly lost him three times through illness and he’s cost us a fortune, but we can’t put
a price on the love and affection he has given us, all the funny moments and things he
has done, his company and his gentle nature – Mr & Mrs Green
MOLLY
She is a beautiful, friendly, loving girl who enjoys going for walks and
getting cuddles. She is my only dog now after I lost my other rescue
dog last September, and she has helped me through this even
though she misses him too. I could not wish for a better dog; she
is a fantastic advert for anyone thinking of adopting a rescue dog.
Thanks again for introducing me to my lovely girl – Danielle Smith
8
www.woodgreen.org.uk | Donation Hotline 0844 875 0150
SKY
Our darling Sky. She is simply the best friend I could wish
for. Two and a half years ago I spotted her on Wood
Green’s website. Hundreds of miles and a few days later
she arrived at her forever and ever home. We love her
very, very much and will always be grateful to you for
helping us find each other – Andrea Taylor
BERTY
We got Badger, now known as Berty, back in Januaury
– he is a lovely dog and has settled in alongside our
other dog, Dotty, really well. Berty is very playful and can
usually be found with his nose in the toy basket! He loves
his walks and often runs around exploring with his ears
flapping and going to meet new doggy friends. We really
can’t imagine life without him! – Laura & Louise Cox
SUNNY
Sunny is a gorgeous girl; she’s great with
our children and has brought lots of fun
and love with her – Nicola & Nick Willmer
Tigger
I thought you might like to see a recent picture of my
lovely Tigger. He was very thin and all legs when I got
him but, as you can see, he has grown into a really
beautiful cat with a lovely temperament who is a real
pleasure to have around. His favourite spot is on my
bed, of course, and he always lets me know exactly
what he wants, and usually gets it! – Joyce Knight
TWIGLET
Twiglet has been with us for three and a half years now, and is
the sweetest Shepherd we have ever owned. We can’t imagine
life without her – Bev Hayes & Steve Daniels
Wood Green | The Animals Charity
9
Wood
Green
Christmas
Cards
Pet
pensioners
How many of us have decided that, after the
loss of a much-loved pet, we’re not going to
take on the responsibility again, because we
don’t feel we have the energy for a puppy or
kitten, or can’t commit to 10 years plus of pet
ownership, or even as much as 20 years in
the case of a cat?
2012
Girl with Reindeer
Santas
Time to Play
Puffins
I Can See You
Case study:
“I’m always surprised that more peo
ple don’t want
to adopt older pets – I’m the exact
opposite and
specifically look for the oldies. The
advantages are
obvious – they’re almost always hou
setrained, they
have enormous character and they
’re absolutely
perfect companions, usually happy
to cuddle up to
you on the sofa and take as much
fuss as you’re able
to give them.
Taking on a pet is a massive responsibility, and one that should
never be taken lightly, but if you’ve found yourselves nodding in
agreement to the statements above, then perhaps you might
want to consider offering a home to one of our older residents?
Elderly cats and dogs are brought into our centres for a number
of reasons; most commonly their owners have passed away
or have moved into residential care and are unable to take
their pets with them. Whatever the reason, it’s always sad for
the staff, as we know they are often overlooked, especially by
families who are more often looking for a younger animal who
will be able to grow up with the children in the home.
Older pets make fantastic companions; they don’t require as
much exercise and energy as their younger counterparts; and in
return for a warm lap or a spot by the fire have so much love to
offer in return. They will usually be house trained, and most have
outgrown any naughty behaviour they may have displayed in
their youth! You will also gain an immense feeling of satisfaction
from knowing that you have made a difference to an animal at a
time in their life when they need your help the most.
10
www.woodgreen.org.uk | Donation Hotline 0844 875 0150
The last cat I adopted was 15 years
old and despite his
good looks and lovely, gentle persona
lity, nobody offered
him a home because of his age. Thei
r loss was my gain
because I couldn’t have wished for
a more adorable,
affectionate pet. He rather caught me
unawares though;
I had to go and buy toys for him beca
use he still enjoyed
playing and would lead me a merry
dance, chasing
ping-pong balls and bits of string.”
Alison, Wood Green supporter
The greeting on the cards is: ‘With best wishes for Christmas and the New Year’
All cards are in packs of 10’s with a single design.
Christmas Cards 2012 | www.woodgreen.org.uk
11
Robins
Christmas Visit
Contemporary Trees
Collie in the Snow
Decorating the Tree
Robins House
Santa Claus
Winter Wildlife
Hiding in the Snow
Twelve Days of Christmas
Tree and Stag
Winter Tree
Relaxing in the Snow
Christmas Carols
Holly Wreath
The retail price of all the card packs is £3.99 (with the exception of Santa Claus, Winter Tree & Santas)
12
Christmas Cards 2012 | www.woodgreen.org.uk
The greeting on the cards is: ‘With best wishes for Christmas and the New Year’
All cards are in packs of 10’s with a single design.
Christmas Cards 2012 | www.woodgreen.org.uk
13
Item
Walkies
QTY
Price Total
£3.99
Contemporary Trees
£3.99
Decorating the Tree
£3.99
Holly Wreath £3.99
Christmas Carols £3.99
Robins £3.99
Robins House £3.99
Tree and Stag £3.99
Christmas Visit £3.99
Santa Claus £2.99
Winter Tree
£2.99
Time to Play
£3.99
Winter Wildlife
£3.99
Relaxing in the Snow
£3.99
Girl with Reindeer
£3.99
Hiding in the Snow
£3.99
Puffins
£3.99
Santas £2.99
Twelve Days of Christmas
£3.99
I Can See You
£3.99
Walkies
£3.99
Ho Ho Ho
£3.99
Robin in the Snow
£3.99
Sue replies:
£
£
£
£
The relationship between a dog and children can
be a wonderful thing but it relies on a number of
factors. All too often people look solely at the dog’s
behaviour and not that of the children around it.
perspective and could result in the dog behaving inappropriately
A dog’s behaviour relates directly to that of others. All canine
busy and unable to supervise their interaction.
TOTAL
PLUS £5.00 P&P
Donation
TOTAL AMOUNT PAYABLE
Payment instructions
Ho Ho Ho
ASK
Collie in the Snow ”
”
behaviour is a symptom of its emotional state; in other words
Full name:
they act how they feel. It is very important to set rules for children
Address:
when they are in the presence of any dog, even more so if it is
I would also suggest that you purchase a couple of baby gates
so that you can separate the dog and the children whilst you are
Involving the children in things that the dog really looks forward
to, like its meal times and going for walks, are good ways
of helping the dog associate the children with good things.
Supervised playtime, perhaps playing fetch in the garden, is
another way of ensuring the dog sees the children as positive
Tel:
shouldn’t tease the dog with treats or toys, and they shouldn’t
Email:
encourage games such as ‘rough and tumble’ with the dog
A must purchase for you is ‘The Canine Commandments’ by
as these can easily get out of hand. Shouting and screaming
Kendal Shepherd. This book is dedicated to keeping children
To order by phone please call 0844 248 8181 ext 1266
can also upset some dogs. The children should also learn that
and dogs safe in each other’s company.
I enclose a cheque/postal orders payable to
Wood Green, The Animals Charity OR please debit my card:
staring directly into a dog’s eyes is very rude from the dog’s
Visa Credit
Eurocard
Visa Debit
MasterCard
Expiry date: Signature:
Christmas Cards 2012 | www.woodgreen.org.uk
hot days can cause some dogs to feel grouchy and less tolerant.
children should know not to pull the dog’s fur or tail or ears, they
Valid from: 14
by our standards, but totally appropriately by their own. Really
Postcode:
Switch/Maestro
Maestro only
Security code: Last 3 digits
Date:
rather than negative.
Wood Green also holds workshops offering practical hands on
advice ensuring a happy relationship between children and
dogs – please email handson@woodgreen.org.uk or call
0844 248 8181 for details of our next “Dogs: A Child’s
Card number: Just visit www.woodgreen.org.uk/shop
Wood Green’s Behaviour
and Training Consultant
I have recently acquired a dog that is very friendly but has not lived
with children in the past. I will be having my grandchildren (aged seven
and nine) over to stay during the summer holidays.
How can I ensure that both children and dog are safe and happy in
each other’s company and develop a good relationship?
never disturbing the dog whilst it is sleeping or eating, the
AVAILABLE TO ORDER Online NOW
Sue Ketland,
Wood Green
a dog that they are unfamiliar with. The rules should include
Robin in the Snow
By
Issue no:
Maestro only
/
/
Best Friend?” session.
Once you have put the rules into place your grandchildren will be
able to enjoy your new addition to the family and your dog will
enjoy having them come to stay.
All the profits from the goods sold in this catalogue
will go towards the care of the animals.
Much of this advice is also relevant to introducing children to
Please return your completed order form to: Wood
Green Pet Supply and Gift Shop, Wood Green, The
Animals Charity, FREEPOST PE1366, London Road,
Godmanchester, Cambridgeshire. Thank you.
to respect animals and you should always supervise their
cats and other small animals. Children should always be taught
interactions. For further advice please visit our website:
www.woodgreen.org.uk/pet_advice
Wood Green | The Animals Charity
15
FUNDRAISING
THANKs!
Sarah Smith
www.woodgreen.org.uk/how_to_help/fundraise
Pedigree
We would like to say a huge thank you to Pedigree, who
recently donated 24,000 Schmackos to our dog section.
The chewy treats make excellent training rewards, and we
were delighted to be chosen as one of four charities who
received such a donation as a thank you for our support of
the annual Pedigree Adoption Drive.
London to
Brighton
Two members of Wood Green
staff undertook a massive
challenge to raise funds for the
Charity in May. Mark Anderson
and Tom O’Connell took part in
the London to Brighton challenge, a 100 kilometre, 24-hour non-
Marathon
A big thank you to Sarah Smith who recently organised a
Thank you to Anna Gilbey who took part in the London
collection of food, blankets, toys and treats for our animals.
Marathon for us this year. We would also like to say thank you
Sarah spent weeks asking friends, family and neighbours
to Fiona Halls, who had planned to run and had already started
for their help, and even designed posters to put up locally
collecting sponsorship money. Unfortunately she was injured
appealing for donations. As you can see from the photo,
and unable to run on the day, but still managed to raise £600
everyone was very generous and Sarah collected a fantastic
for us. Fiona hopes she will be able to run next year instead.
amount of donations.
stop walk. Unfortunately Tom was ill before even setting off on
the walk, but bravely managed 25 kilometres before having to
call it a day, leaving Mark to carry on without his team mate.
The pair raised a fantastic £1,500 between them – well done,
we’re very proud of you both!
Gift Aid
Thank you to everyone who has signed up to Gift Aid – this simple
act doesn’t cost you any extra but means we are able to claim
an additional 25p for every pound that you give us. As long as
Sahara Trek
you are a UK taxpayer you can sign up to the scheme, if you’d
like to know more just call our Supporter Services team on 0844
248 8181. With last year’s Gift Aid total reaching an incredible
£325,615 it really does make a huge difference.
Maggie
May
The Maggie May Appeal, which was launched by fundraisers
Sue and Bob Squire last summer to raise funds for an
ultrasound and anaesthetic monitor for our Heydon Centre,
has now come to a close, having beaten its target of £10,000.
Our Grand Auction, held in April, was the culmination of the
appeal and helped bring the grand total to a very impressive
£15,843. We would like to say a huge thank you to Sue and
Bob and their team of volunteers for their tireless work, as
well as our celebrity auctioneers David Palmer (pictured) and
Stewart White, who both gave up their time for free. Sue and
Bob have now launched the Star Appeal, and hope to raise
Intrepid travellers Sam Prior and Anna Cowling, who both work at
£15,000 for an upgrade of the heating system in our Heydon
our Godmanchester Centre, collected more than £3,500 from their
catteries. We will keep you posted on their efforts!
Sahara Trek in March. Sam and Anna flew out to Morocco to spend
six gruelling days trekking 100K from M’Hamid El Rhozlane, through
the highest dunes in the region of L’erg Zaher through to Mhamid
with six hours of walking each day. Anna, the Charity’s Education
Manager said: “Dealing with the heat was probably one of the
biggest challenges plus we got through a lot of blister plasters. One
morning was especially memorable when we climbed the largest
Skydive
There are plenty of ways you can get involved with
fundraising; from collecting stamps to jumping out of planes!
Our next big fundraising event is a Firewalk, taking place at
our Godmanchester Centre on Friday 21 September. Anyone
of any age can take part, and we’ll be holding a barbecue for
friends and family after the event.
sand dune in the Moroccon region of the Sahara in the dark with our
headtorches to wait for the sunrise – the climb was very challenging
We had 20 daring volunteers taking part in two skydives,
but the view at the top of sand dunes as far as the eye can see
held in October 2011 and May 2012, at Sibson Airfield
was very special and definitely worth it. There was a lot of talk of
near Peterborough. Each person had to raise a minimum
food and home comforts on the trek and a lot of dreaming of a tea,
sponsorship of £100, and although at the time of going to press
chocolate and even a bed or a bath!”
money was still coming in, we have collected over £2,000.
A huge thank you to everyone who took the plunge!
16
www.woodgreen.org.uk | Donation Hotline 0844 875 0150
If you would like more information on
this, or would like to talk to us about other
challenges or ways you can help, please
email fundraising@woodgreen.org.uk
or call Caroline on 0844 248 8181.
Wood Green | The Animals Charity
17
Fond memories
Rudi
Peggy
Sebastien
ne
Remembering some beloved pets
who are no longer with us...
Teena
g,
ry mornin
e
v
e
b
ru
hest
s about
joyed a c
ll! She wa
a
h
e
Teena en
th
and
er back in
January,
in
d
ie
d
lying on h
st
she
for the la
y
ld when
n
o
a
p
rs
a
m
e
o
y
15
h her c
ed us wit
had bless
ric Lee
Mavis & E
–
rs
a
e
y
13
Rudi was put to sleep in November 2011 after
thirteen years; the most loving and gentle dog
who will never be forgotten – Janet & Brian Dawes
Our lovely lurcher Peggy died on the 6th March, 12
and a half years old. She was beautiful, and a big
character, full of fun. We loved her very much, and
will miss her a lot. We will never forget her – John
& Rose Munro
at home
eacefully
p
d
ie
d
e
n
e us,
Sebastien
ubbles, lik
B
.
rs
a
Our lovely
e
y
d 16
mber, age
Stook
last Septe
Sue & Jeff
–
h
c
u
m
o
rs
misses he
Sam
Button
Bertie
Tabitha
We rescued Tabitha from your shelter in Royston
when she was just two years old and had her
wonderful personality with us for 12 years but it
wasn’t long enough. Tabitha can never be replaced
but she will live in my heart forever - Julie Jaciuk
Our ‘Woo
d Green
Special’
four yea
since 20
rs of pric
07; just o
eless com
ver
sweet na
p
anionship
tured bo
.
S
u
y
c
w
h
ho was m
a
lives for a
eant to e
special p
nter our
urpose a
much. A
fter goin
lways in
g throug
our heart
h so
– Stacey
s
‘Bombo’
Hamilton
& Martin
Bone
I adopted Button from Heydon in September 1993
and she was my beautiful girl for over 18 years,
until she passed away just before Christmas 2011.
She is missed so much by myself, my husband and
our remaining cat Robbie – Mrs J Millar
Murphy
Poppy
Sam was a larger-than-life moggy,
in character as
well as physique, with a purr to mat
ch, qualities
which he frequently combined to
win over even the
most cat-cautious friend. He leav
es a huge gap
in our lives after nearly 14 years and
will be sorely
missed – Mrs Jane Brierley
To have your pet featured
in either the Fond Memories
or Old Friends pages please
send photographs and details to:
Ziggy
Keith Baker sent us this lovely photo of Poppy, who
sadly passed away recently.
18
www.woodgreen.org.uk | Donation Hotline 0844 875 0150
and playful;
ays so loving
lw
a
s
a
w
y
g
Zig
ur lives –
ch a void in o
he has left su
Mrs L Williams
Murphy, he became a
As soon as we adopted
and
ily with an affectionate
wonderful part of the fam
sit
ed nothing more than to
funny character. He lov
dly
do the gardening! We sa
in the sun and watch us
y
rph
him in October 2011. Mu
had to say goodbye to
s
arts - Grant & Janet Spikin
will always be in our he
The Editor, Animals Matter,
Wood Green, The Animals Charity,
King’s Bush Farm, London Road,
Godmanchester. PE29 2NH
or e-mail high quality jpeg images
to info@woodgreen.org.uk
Please note only original photographs or
high quality jpeg images can be used.
Wood Green | The Animals Charity
19
A
day
life
in the
Sakura Anderson
Deputy Manager, London Centre
I joined Wood Green in 2008 as full time rehomer, after a setting
my heart on working with animals. I had to learn everything, as
my only experience was being a devoted cat lover and owner,
but I always had the opportunity to ask about anything
and learnt so much in my first year here. I became
the Deputy Manager for London in 2010, and
have really enjoyed my new role, and all the
different things I get to do. The best thing
about working at London is that no day is ever
the same, and no day is ever boring.
6:45
11:00
14:00
I don’t need an alarm clock in my house, as my cats Willie and
I am responsible for the intake for our rehoming, and will
Clinic appointments start at 2pm, and can be two hours of
Nelson always ensure I’m up and feeding them breakfast.
normally arrange for them to come in late morning, to make
chaos. Some days can be quite calm and organised, with pets
I rehomed them from Wood Green in 2009 and can’t really
sure our vet can see cats as soon as possible. Thankfully we’ve
coming in for routine checks ups and vaccinations, other days
remember life without them. Once they’ve eaten, they love to try
had a brilliant start to the year with our rehoming figures, and
we can have a number of very sick animals which can make
and get under me and my husband’s feet as we try and get ready
have had some lovely cats come into us. Abandoned cats are
appointments run behind. Reception is incredibly fast paced
for the day, and of course try to help us in the kitchen, hoping
a real problem for us at London, so we have to always try and
and you have to be able to take phone calls, and evaluate
that a bit more food will come their way when we’re making our
keep a few units free, as it’s rare for a week to go by without
animal symptoms to decide if they need to be seen immediately
lunches, they were lucky today as there was tuna on the menu!
something being abandoned on our door. The most frustrating
or if it can wait till tomorrow. Our appointments book up so fast,
part of dealing with pets that are abandoned is the lack of
so it can be incredibly stressful when you seem to get a number
imformation we have. If people waited for us to have a space
of emergencies on top of each other, but our veterinary team
to take it in, we can ensure that we go through the entire intake
are fantastic and always manage to handle the workload.
8:00
My day at the London Centre starts at 8am, and the first thing
process with them, to find out about the cat’s personality, and
I always do is switch on the computer and check my emails.
any health or behavioural issues. We have to put all abandoned
Although we are a very small team, emailing is the most
cats through the same thorough process as we can never
reliable way of ensuring everyone is up to date and keeping
assume anything about them. This makes the whole intake
Two cats have been handed over as a woman claims she found
tabs on all our cats on site. I also have a quick catch up with
process more frightening for the cat, although we try to make
them in a box. One is a beautiful young ginger and white boy,
Kate, my manager, and we discuss any issues of the day over
the move as calm and painless as possible.
the other a long haired black female, who seems very scared
a cup of tea. We also have a veterinary clinic at the London
15:00
by it all. There’s lots of rushing around to try and find space
Centre, so as soon as the phones are turned on, we’re prepared
We also have a number of dogs abandoned, which is really
for them, but thankfully a number of cats are reserved, so we
for potential emergencies or clients who are concerned by
difficult as we don’t have the facilities to take them in. A lot of
should be ok. We just make them as comfortable as possible in
something that happened overnight. Today it’s a dog that’s
people are unaware that stray dogs have to be reported to the
their new home, and give them a few treats to show them that
been limping all night, and seems to be in a lot of pain, he’s
local council, and that you can no longer take them to the police
we’re the nice guys.
quite old, so the vet wants to see him before clinic starts.
station, or to a local charity. Thankfully today, we haven’t had
We always do operations in the morning, so reception is busy with
clients and patients and our nurses preparing all the animals for their
pre meds. Today we are especially busy as we have emergency
operations booked on top of routine ones, from patients that were
seen yesterday. Steve, our vet is going to have a busy day ahead.
10:00
Part of my role is being an education officer for London, so this
is a good time of day to liaise with the education team based in
Godmanchester, to see if there is anything coming up in London.
The response in London is very different, as there are more children
who don’t have pets, or have very little contact with animals. It’s a
lovely opportunity to teach them about the responsibility of keeping
a pet, as well as giving them ideas as to what would be suitable for
them and their family. They especially love it if we take animals down
16:00
anything abandoned, and the two cats I’ve arranged to come
in, look lovely and seem to be settling in quite well already. One
is already booked in to be castrated tomorrow, after his check
up with the vet showed he’s lovely and healthy-he even purred
a little when getting looked at!
13:00
As we all wind down from another busy day, I’ll be back in the
office, arranging things for tomorrow and catching up on any
paperwork. I’ll be checking the records for the cats on site, to
make sure we haven’t missed anything, and to see how many
cats are due to go home, and how many free units I have that
will be filled again within seconds.
Finally time for lunch! The lovely part of working in such a small
16:30
team is that we can generally all squeeze around our staff
room table and catch up with each other. It’s also a brilliant
opportunity to pick the brains of the vet or nurses, about a cat
we may be concerned or interested in, and they are always
more than happy to explain things to us. It’s also the perfect
time to raid the biscuit tin, as we have so many lovely clients
who like to keep us well fed!
Finally off home, and can’t wait to slump down on the sofa with
my cats and husband. Nelson always likes to have a good sniff
of my jumper and looks annoyed that I smell of other cats! I’m
due to have a baby in a few months, so trying to get as much
rest as possible now, and enjoy our quiet little house, as I’m
sure that’s all about to change!
with us normally guinea pigs, who are always very well behaved!
10:30
I am currently recruiting cat cuddling volunteers for the London
Centre, so have to call around to all those that are interested
and find out if they can attend our induction day. One of them
is a lovely lady who rehomed a cat from us that had a lot
of behavioural issues, so we have a good catch up about
him, and I offer her some tips to try and stop him constantly
scratching her new sofas! Aside from that, he sounds like he’s
doing really well and loving his new home.
20
www.woodgreen.org.uk | Donation Hotline 0844 875 0150
Thankfully today, we haven’t
had anything abandoned, and
the two cats I’ve arranged to
come in, look lovely and seem to
be settling in quite well already
.
Wood Green | The Animals Charity
21
EVENTS DIARY
Summer Hands on Fun
at Heydon
Animals looking
fOr homes
Thursday 2 and Thursday 16 August,
10.00am – 12.00pm & 1.00pm –
3.00pm) Heydon Centre
Join Wood Green’s Hands On team for a Summer fun behind
the scenes workshop full of surprises! Find out more about cats,
rabbits and guinea pigs. Visit the vet surgery – get hands on
becoming a vet nurse and meet some lovely animals looking for
new homes. PLUS make fun toys for your animals to take home,
and finish with a treasure hunt around the site to round off your
session. Suitable for 5 years and over. £3 per person.
For more information: 0844 248 8181 or
email handson@woodgreen.org.uk
PAW Walk
Sunday 29 July, 10.30am
Grafham Water, nr Huntingdon
Join us for a walk around the idyllic setting of Grafham Water for
our Papworth and Wood Green (PAW) Walk and raise funds for
both Papworth Hospital and Wood Green at the same time.
You can choose between a three or nine mile route.
To book your place go to
http://pawwalk.eventbrite.co.uk/
Firewalk
Friday 21 September, 8.00pm
Godmanchester Centre
Come and join us for our first ever firewalk, and help us raise
funds for the animals in our care!
For further information or to register please email
fundraising@woodgreen.org.uk or call 0844 248 8181.
Animal Fun Day
Sunday 16th September,
10.00am – 4.00pm
Godmanchester Centre
Join us for our annual fun day! Dog agility, novelty dog show,
activities for children and much more! Entry £2 for adults with
accompanied children free.
22
www.woodgreen.org.uk | Donation Hotline 0844 875 0150
Family Hands On Fun
14, 21 and 28 August 10.00am –
12.00pm. Godmanchester Learning
Centre
Join our Hands On team in the Leaning Centre at our
Godmanchester Centre for drop in pet toy making activities,
suitable for all ages from toddlers upwards. Plus have fun with
animal story time and meet some of our small animals looking
for new homes.
Ned 2410 (Godmanchester)
This handsome chap is looking for a home
where he can be the only pet; he can be
shy initially but is a very loving, affectionate
and well behaved dog once he feels
settled with you.
Millie 2898 & Max 2900
(Godmanchester)
Millie (JRT) and Max (Lurcher) are a
well-trained pair who will make a loving
addition to the right home. They adore
eachother and must be homed as a pair.
Jacko 2622 (Godmanchester)
Jacko is a really energetic boy with huge
amounts of potential; he can be shy at
times but is very affectionate once he gets
to know you.
Anya 2405
(London)
Spike 3155
(Godmanchester)
This beautiful
girl is Anya,
a hugely
affectionate
girl who likes
nothing more
than to sit on
your lap and
have cuddles.
This handsome
boy is looking for
a family who will
play with him, as he
enjoys being active
and getting out in
the garden in
the sunshine!
Little One 570 (Heydon)
This nervous little girl is looking for a home
with experienced cat owners, who will give
her the time to build her confidence at her
own pace.
£4 per child, drop in session so no need to book.
Hands On behind the
scenes tours
14, 21 and 28 August 1.00 – 3.00pm
Godmanchester centre
Join our Hands On team for a behind the scenes workshop at
our Godmanchester Centre. Find out more about dog, cat, small
animal and field animal care, make fun pet toys and feed some
of our animals tasty treats.
Bluebell 747 (Godmanchester)
Bella 670 (Godmanchester)
Milo 3399 (Heydon)
Bluebell is looking for a home with her
sister Clover. They are an older pair of
bunnies who will make a fantastic and
friendly addition to the right family.
Bella is a very active ferret looking to go
home with her friend Noodle; they are a
friendly pair who enjoy cuddles and going
out for walks on a harness.
This nosy little chap is looking for a home
with a neutered male, who he can enjoy
sharing his enrichment equipment with.
Gruff 564
(Godmanchester)
£4 per person and suitable for 5 year olds and over.
Booking essential as places limited, call 0844 248 8181
or email handson@woodgreen.org.uk
For further information about any
events held by Wood Green
visit www.woodgreen.org.uk
or call 0844 248 8181
Horace, Morris & Boris 360
(Godmanchester)
Horace, Morris & Boris have been with us
for 18 months now, and would love to find a
retirement home together.
Billy and Gruff are
a pair of AngloNubian goats who
are the best of friends. Gruff is a
stronger goat who will need a competent
handler, but both boys are a friendly
pair who will be very rewarding for an
experienced owner.
Chickens 643 (Godmanchester)
Our field section regularly takes in and
rehomes ex-battery hens. They make great
pets, and will even reward you with the odd
fresh egg or two!
Wood Green | The Animals Charity
23
DoGs
DIE
DON’t LEaVE yOuR
DOG uNattENDED
iN HOt wEatHER!
For more detailed information
on keeping your pets safe in the
sun, please visit our website.
In
hot cars
the animals Charity
King’s Bush Farm, London Road,
Godmanchester, Cambridgeshire
PE29 2NH
Call: 0844 248 8181
Visit: www.woodgreen.org.uk
Or Email: info@woodgreen.org.uk
Registered Charity No. 298348