Paws for thought at the Ark
Ashbourne Animal Welfare’s WANDA MEILCZAREK updates us on the cats and dogs currently waiting on new homes at The Ark, in Wyaston Road
THE cattery has been very busy at The Ark over the last months with many cats and kittens coming into care in need of loving new homes.
Many of those rescued had been found as strays such as two gorgeous ginger kittens called Fanta and Tango who were found inside a van cab in a scrapyard, whilst little Dennis was found by himself in a field in the middle of nowhere! He was about eight weeks old and full of fun. He is now happy in a new home living with another ex-ark cat.
Tula and Thomas were dumped on the doorstep of another cat rescue who could not help them and so came into the safety of The Ark.
They were about eight weeks but very small for their age and very shy. They too have now been chosen for adoption and gone together to a loving home.
At the other end of the age range the charity has helped many older cats such as Coco who came into care after her owner moved to accommodation
that did not allow pets. Coco is now happily sharing a new home with canine pal Rosie the terrier and they like to curl up together for a cuddle!
Gizmo was 11 years of age when his owner had to go into care. The two of them had kept each other company all through last year’s lockdown with Gizmo spending hours sitting on his owner’s knee and being a great comfort as well as company.
Gizmo was quite a character and it took a while to find just the right home for him but he is now back in his role of companion cat to a new owner.
Still waiting for adoption is the lovely Sissy, an eight-year-old black and white cat whose previous owner moved into sheltered housing and so Sissy had no one to care for her. She is
a friendly cat and has been waiting for someone to choose her since June!
A more challenging cat to take on is Frankie a cat with ‘cattitude’ who came to the charity for rehoming after his owner passed away.
He did go out to a new home for a short while, but proved a little too feisty and so was returned. He doesn’t like other cats so would need to be the only cat in the household and needs an owner who won’t mind being ‘bossed about’ by a cat!
The Ark has also helped many dogs in need after their owners could no longer care for them, often because of work commitments or the realisation that they just don’t have the time to look after a dog, especially if young and active. Toby a Saluki X became anxious as he couldn’t cope with being left alone for long periods of time whilst his owner was at work.
We are pleased to say that we have now found him a new home where he gets more company.
Chester was another young dog who suffered from separation anxiety when his owner’s working hours changed and once again The Ark managed to find him a new owner who would be able to spend a lot more time with him.
Still waiting for adoption are gorgeous greyhounds Ray and Terry who came into care after being retired from racing.
Ray had sustained a leg injury and is still recovering from this so at present isn’t allowed to run around... this seems to suit him as he far prefers curling up in his bed with his teddies!
He is a very friendly chap who loves meeting new people.
Terry, by contrast is a shyer boy who is little worried about life in general (like so many of us at present!).
However, once he gets to know you he is very happy to make friends. He is also rather proud of his rather unusual ears as he feels they make him stand out from the crowd!
If you are interested in adopting a cat or dog from The Ark or would like to support the Cats and Dogs Christmas Dinner Appeal please visit www. ashbourneanimalwelfare.org for more information or ring 01335 300494.