Animal Rescue with Marion Garnett
Dedicated animal expert Marion Garnett, founder of the Ealing Animal Charities Fair, continues her column
CASUALTIES of this pandemic are beyond measure. Some, like illness and death are, sadly, all too familiar and, of necessity, often in the news, but others less so.
Many have had celebrations for life events muted. Weddings and birthdays have taken place with fewer people present than usual, but other ways are evolving for people to celebrate and, with its 50th anniversary this year, the National Animal Welfare Trust (NAWT) is making plans.
For starters, each month it is going to look at aspects of its work which have changed over the past five decades.
This month it is looking at how names of animals have been influenced by films and television shows of the time. For example, in the 1970s animals in their care were likely to be called Fonzie (from Happy Days), Petra or Shep (from Blue Peter) or Kermit (The Muppet Show).
In the 1980s, popular names were Hooch (from Turner and Hooch), Rodney (Only Fools and Horses) and Rosco (Dukes of Hazzard). The 1990s saw the names Kryten (from Red Dwarf), Ross (Friends) and Woody (Cheers) coming into fashion.
In the past 20 years, popular names have included Marley (from Marley and Me), Wellard (EastEnders) and Nymeria (Game of Thrones). I’m sure you can add your own. I know a Leia (Star Wars) and an Indy (Indiana Jones).
In 50 years, thousands of animals have passed through NAWT’s doors, many named after famous screen stars, but, given the chance, all capable of being stars in their own right.
One animal currently in their care who’s waiting for his turn to shine is Jack.
This beautiful rabbit came into the care of NAWT after his owner had a change of circumstances. He’s only one year old and needs to be homed with a friendly neutered female rabbit.
Jack is friendly and although, at first, he may run away, he will come back to say “hello”. He enjoys any opportunity to be around people. Jack needs to be homed as a house rabbit. Both the Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund (RWAF) (rabbitwelfare.co.uk) and the RSPCA (rspca.org.uk) give information regarding how to keep a rabbit indoors.
An important aspect is ensuring that all areas the rabbit has access to are rabbit-proofed, for example electric wires must be out of reach so they can’t be chewed. And remember, whether keeping rabbits indoors or outside, the RWAF’s saying is that “A Hutch is Not Enough”.
If you are interested in homing Jack, you can get details at nawt.org.uk or by calling 020 8950 0177.