Animal Rescue with Marion Garnett

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

KEEPING little ones amused during the Summer holidays isn’t always easy.

But before we talk about ideas to keep your little ones occupied, let’s have a look at Pudding who, although she’s only eighteen months old has already experienced having to look after little ones of her own.

Pudding was handed into a vet after being found in a garage with her babies. From there, they were taken into care with Hounslow Animal Welfare Society

(HAWS) and now Pudding is in foster care waiting for a home of her own.

Initially Pudding was shy and hid under the bed. She would come out for dinner and then go back under the bed. But her confidence has grown and Pudding now sleeps on the bed and kisses her foster carer, in the morning, to let her know it’s breakfast time. She has also become playful and extremely affectionate, following her foster carer round like a shadow.

If you can offer Pudding a loving home, see haws-animals.org.uk or call 020 8560 5443.

Now, going back to keeping your little ones happy during the holidays. If you’re looking for a day out with a difference, many of the animal rescue centres featured here make fascinating days out for children with some organising specific children’s activities. Do check the websites for opening hours etc before visiting.

When children look round the rehoming centre at the National Animal Welfare Trust, they can also take part in a “beach hunt” and small animal petting session.

The Centre is open every day, 11am to 4pm, and has cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs and Percy the Pig to see. The petting session is from 12 noon to 12.30pm and must be booked in advance, £5/family. There is also an onsite café. The centre is at Tylers Way, Watford by Pass WD25 8WT.

Dogs Trust at Harvil Road, Uxbridge UB9 6JW are organising a free workshop for children aged seven to12 years on August 13, 11.30am to 1pm, to learn how to care for and be safe around dogs. Places must be booked in advance with Rosie Allen on 01895 453955 or rosie.allen@dogstrust.org.uk. There’s a beautiful tithe barn for lunch.

If you visit Battersea Dogs and Cats Home you can look round the dogs and cats as well as their shop. There’s also a café. A day out here could be combined with a visit to the nearby fabulous Battersea Park.

Southall RSPCA Cat Adoption Centre, Burket Close, Southall are holding a Fete on Saturday, August 10, 11am to 3pm, with children’s activities.