Animal Rescue with Marion Garnett
Dedicated animal expert MARION GARNETT, founder of the Ealing Animal Charities Fair, continues her column
MALCOLM was so busy begging for seconds, he didn’t even eat his firsts.
We all have times when we’re wanting more, even though we haven’t used or eaten what we already have.
One of the reasons why Animal Aid’s Christmas Fayre is such a refreshing place to visit is that it reminds us, in a vibrant way, of the need to think about what we buy. There will be more than 100 stands selling ethically sourced, cruelty-free items. Charities, campaign groups and ethical traders who are working to make a positive difference in the world will be there.
It’s an ideal place to find Christmas presents – you can easily spend all day there. There will also be cookery demonstrations, talks, a children’s workshop, face painting and creche. Arrive hungry as the food is delicious and the atmosphere is legendary. The fayre is on Sunday December 9 (10am4.30pm) at Kensington Town Hall, Hornton Street, W8 7NX. See details at animalaid.org. uk. Now back to the gorgeous Malcolm. He could be excused begging for seconds as he is a thin boy who knows what it’s like to be a stray.
He came into the care of the RSPCA after a member of the public saw him being hit by a car.
Fortunately he wasn’t seriously hurt. He’s friendly and gentle – a real heartbreaker with the potential to make someone a wonderful pet. He does have a tendency to overgroom so would benefit from a stress-free home. If this could be with you, Malcolm is waiting at the RSPCA Cat Adoption Centre, Burket Close, Southall UB2 4JS.
The Adoption Centre is looking festive. Each of the cat cabins has a Christmas stocking hanging on it with visitors being invited to bring gifts to fill the stockings.
Long-stay cats have also somehow managed to write a letter to Santa and display it outside their cabin. I took a sneaky look at a couple of the letters and the main Christmas gift they are hoping for is a loving home. But they also explain to Santa why no food has been left for the reindeer – they’ve already eaten it.
For the first time this year, the centre is holding a Christmas Evening on Thursday December 20 (5.30pm-7.30pm). More details will be available later.
From December 1, real Christmas trees will be for sale in the RSPCA Centre’s car park (address above) with a donation from each tree sold, going to the centre.