Animal Rescue with Marion Garnett
IT’S good news for all those, especially sick animals, who’ve missed the Hanwell RSPCA clinic since it closed down. The clinic at Southall has now reopened.
Not only have the premises been renovated but the opening hours have been extended. This clinic provides subsidised veterinary care for animals owned by people who meet the RSPCA’s eligibility criteria. These relate, for example, to which benefit you are on and your postcode. To see the criteria go to rspca.org.uk and type Southall Cattery into the search box. If you want to see the vet, you must phone in advance and make an appointment. The clinic is at Burket Close, off Norwood Road, Southall UB2 4JS, telephone 0300 123 0746.
It was also good news for a greyhound at Dogs Trust yesterday. When I arrived, I had seen a greyhound being lovingly walked by a couple. Then later, in reception, I saw the lady bend down and quietly whisper to the dog, before she left “It’s going to be a whole new ball game tomorrow” – the greyhound was off to her new home with the couple the next day.
The burning question for another hound is “when will it be a whole new ball game for me?” At present Mary, an ex-racing greyhound, is just getting used to playing games. When she was initially assessed by Dogs Trust she had no idea what to do with a tennis ball but, as I found out in the courtyard, she is learning quickly. Once she knows you, Mary enjoys a cuddle and is suitable for a first-time owner. She could live with another larger dog. You can meet this gorgeous girl at the Dogs Trust, Uxbridge.
I don’t know who it was who said ‘If my cat could wash my socks, I’d marry her’, but I know how they feel. There are several staffies (amongst others) I wouldn’t mind getting a Valentine card from.
But all is not lost, the National Animal Welfare Trust is running a Valentine Day’s Dinner scheme whereby if you donate a dinner for one of their unwanted animals you receive a Valentine card and a picture of one of their animals.
You can donate by going to www.justgiving.com/NAWT or by taking an item of animal food to the rehoming centre at Tylers Way, Watford bypass. When you donate, please state that it is for the animal’s Valentine Dinner.