Animal Rescue with Marion Garnett

Dedicated animal expert Marion Garnett, founder of the Ealing Animal Charities Fair, continues her column

WE’RE all bonded to different things. As well as feeling bonded to every single animal, flying insect or swimming fish in the world, I’m bonded to my handbag.

I’ve just had to give it up for security screening at Portcullis House and, as I waited for it to emerge from the tunnel, it felt like part of my body was missing.

It’s in recognition of the bonds we form that the animal rescue centre, Mayhew, has just launched a series of powerful poems across London tube stations highlighting the bonds people can have with animals.

Mayhew hopes that as people wait for their train, they will read the poems and reflect on their relationship with the animals in their own lives.

Each poem is accompanied by a poignant single line drawing by the artist Dane Khy.

This new initiative by Mayhew, called A Life, Shared, emphasises that the bond between owner and pet is close and reciprocal, with each relying on the other.

Particularly because of their work with vulnerable people, Mayhew is well positioned to know this. For example, for 10 years, they have offered a pet refuge scheme whereby they support vulnerable people and their pets at a time of crisis, such as if the owner is hospitalised.

They recognise the importance of providing practical help, for short periods of time, to ensure the animal is cared for during such separation and the bond is not broken. For details of this scheme, see themayhew.org.

Of course, it’s not just the human/animal bond which concerns Mayhew. Although not biologically related, young cats Coco and Monkey have an incredible bond with each other and must be homed together.

They lived in the same house all their lives until they came into Mayhew’s care when their owner emigrated.

Coco and Monkey are sweet and gentle but can be shy at times. If you think you may be able to home them, see themayhew.org or call 020 9862 8000.

Mayhew is at Trenmar Gardens, Kensal Green.

In order to raise funds for their work, it is good news that Mayhew will be having a stall at the 42nd Ealing Animal Charities Fair on Saturday March 7 (10.30am-4pm) at Hanwell Methodist Church, Church Road.

I’ll be giving more details in coming weeks, but this year’s fair promises to be better than ever with nearly 40 animal charities participating and a packed programme of eminent speakers. Admission is free.

For details, see ealinganimalsfair.london and follow us on Twitter @EalngAnimalFair.

Coco (left) and Monkey