Animal Rescue with Marion Garnett

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

ONE day last August, three dogs were abandoned in just twentyfour hours at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home by being tied to their front gates.

In June, Battersea received nearly 1200 enquiries from people looking to bring in their pets. This is a 30% increase compared to the same time last year.

Although keeping a dog can be very rewarding, it also costs money. Battersea have calculated that keeping a dog costs an average of £2000 a year. There’s all sorts to buy such as food, healthcare, insurance etc. With the increasing cost of living, Battersea ask people to assess their financial situation carefully before getting a dog.

Looking after all the animals that come Battersea’s way costs Battersea money. But there are ways we can help. Fortunately these often not only help Battersea but also help ourselves as well.

Firstly, excitingly, we can book a tour of Battersea. During the tour we’ll visit the kennels and cattery and learn about the hydrotherapy pool. Tours last 45 mins – 1 hour. They cost £9.10 per person excluding booking fee and optional 90p donation. To book go to battersea.org.uk.

Battersea are also looking for supporters to run the Royal Parks Half Marathon. This takes place on Sunday October 9 in Hyde Park, Green Park, St James’s Park and Kensington Gardens. To be part of Team Battersea, they ask you pledge to raise a minimum of £350 for Battersea. Help from Battersea includes a Team Battersea vest, fundraising materials, training guides and access to the Team Battersea Facebook group. For details go to battersea.org.uk or call 020 7627 7893.

If we’re not up to running a marathon, Battersea are appealing for supporters to knit mice for their cats to play with. A knitted mouse pattern can be downloaded free online. They also have an online video tutorial on how to make knitted mice.

And, of course, if we think the time in our life is right for us to get a dog, we could rehome a Battersea dog. At present Daphne is just one of the gorgeous dogs in Battersea’s care who is looking for a home. Daphne is a Bull Mastiff who came to Battersea a month ago after being found as a stray. She likes to carry a toy on her walks and pounce on them while playing with staff in their office. She knows some basic commands but needs more training. Daphne loves to cuddle. If you’re interested in homing this lovely girl, see details at battersea.org.uk

Daphne