Paws Winter 2013

Winter 2013
battersea.org.uk
The magazine of
Battersea Dogs & Cats Home
Also inside this issue:
Moggie mayhem
Our newest Ambassador tells us why she
has a special place in her heart for Battersea
The cats take over as we celebrate
130 years of cat rehoming
Winter woofs
Akitas, Huskies, Malamutes and
Inuits are on the rise at Battersea
Yule remember
Favourite mistletoe memories
from our staff and volunteers
Made in
01
the U.K
Contents
Executive Editor
Dee McIntosh
Winter woofs
Head to page 22
to read more about
our friends from the
frozen North
Editor
Caroline Stringer
Contributors
Jude Peppis
Kate Winsall
Sarah Tapsell
Becky Medhurst
Features
Please send your pictures and letters to:
Paws magazine
Battersea Dogs & Cats Home
4 Battersea Park Road
London SW8 4AA
[email protected]
For more information and our
opening hours, call 0843 509 4444 or
visit our website battersea.org.uk
Old Windsor
Priest Hill, Old Windsor, Berkshire SL4 2JN
Brands Hatch
Crowhurst Lane, Ash, Kent TN15 7HH
Patron
Her Majesty The Queen
President
HRH Prince Michael of Kent, GCVO
Paws is designed on behalf of Battersea Dogs
& Cats Home by williamjoseph.co.uk
Advertising enquiries
[email protected]
Note: Advertisements and advertising inserts
appearing within or sent with Paws magazine
have been included at the advertiser’s request
only. Battersea Dogs & Cats Home does not verify
the quality, condition, validity or standard of the
offers, products or services advertised. Battersea
Dogs & Cats Home does not in any way endorse
any of the products or services offered.
Keep in touch
Please help us keep our records as up-to-date
as possible and inform us of any changes in your
details. You can write to the usual Battersea
address or email [email protected]
If you no longer wish to receive Paws magazine
and/or other correspondence from the Home,
please write and let us know, including your name,
address and postcode. You can write to the data
protection officer at the address below or email
[email protected]
Data Protection Officer
Battersea Dogs & Cats Home
4 Battersea Park Road
London SW8 4AA
44,918 (Jan–Dec 2012)
10
16
22
26
Ambassador Amanda
The cats are taking over
Super cool customers
Christmas at Battersea
Regulars
03Welcome
04News
15 Dog gallery
20 Paws letters
24 Take us home
28 Buy for Battersea
29 Cat gallery
30 Ask the expert
Toy stories
32 Day in the life
The seven Lurchers of Christmas
The cats are
taking over
Slink on over
to page 16 to
find out more
about our
latest kitty
campaign
03
essential winter
healthcare
for your pets
Welcome
Like you, our Battersea Ambassadors
are passionate and vocal supporters
of the work we do.
I’m absolutely thrilled that the gorgeous and talented actor and presenter
Amanda Holden has agreed to become our fourth Ambassador, joining
international supermodel David Gandy, TV award-winning Paul O’Grady
and best-selling children’s author Dame Jacqueline Wilson in promoting
our animals and work at every opportunity.
Amanda is one of Britain’s most popular and much-loved personalities,
and we feel very proud to welcome her to Battersea. Meet Amanda and find
out why she feels so at home at our Home on page 10.
We love a Battersea Christmas. The days are at their darkest outside but
here in London, and at our Brands Hatch and Old Windsor centres, our
warm and bright kennels and cattery pens are sparkling with tinsel, and
the calming music we play to soothe our dogs and cats is turning festive.
I’ve loved reading memories of special Christmases at Battersea on page 26,
and I’m sharing my favourite seasonal memory there too.
The dogs and cats who’ll be spending their Christmas holidays at Battersea
have only one wish on their list for Santa – a new home. If you have space
in front of your fire this winter, turn to page 24 to meet some of our current
residents.
Northern breeds like the Siberian Husky, Northern Inuit and Akita are
increasingly chosen as family pets, and this year well over 100 have
found themselves at Battersea. On page 22, we look at these stunning dogs
and the commitment and work they need to be good companions and pets.
And there’s still time to order a gift or two from our treasure trove of
Christmas 2013 Goodies, so I hope you’ll find plenty of stocking fillers to
tempt you. We’ve called in some experts – including Rufus the Rottie and
Sparky the Mongrel – to road test some of our gifts, and they share their
verdicts on page 30.
Claire Horton, Chief Executive
NEW
to see our complete range visit www.jvp.co.uk
or for more information email [email protected]
available from all good pet shops and garden centres
Johnson’s Veterinary Products Ltd, Sutton Coldfield,
West Midlands B75 7DF
Tel: 0121 378 1684 email: [email protected] www.jvp.co.uk
04
Winter 2013
05
Home
run
Cats get a
Head start
Cheering on our
marathon runners
Did you bag a ballot place in the 2014 Virgin Money
London Marathon? If so, we’d love you to join Team
Battersea. Our dedicated team will support you every
step of the way with regular updates from the Home
as well as an invitation to an exclusive behind the
scenes tour of our London site. If you’d like to be on
our team please contact [email protected]
Heads up for cats –
Anthony and Emily
with Twinkle
Film star father and daughter Anthony and Emily
Head have backed our Cat Takeover campaign
by urging cat lovers to rehome a rescue moggy
from Battersea.
Cats cash in
The Buffy the Vampire Slayer star and Emily, who shot to fame in The
Inbetweeners, came to Battersea recently to spend some quality cat
time with us.
Battersea celebrated the opening of
our brand new Battersea Dogs & Cats
Home from Home in September, and
we can now reveal the mini centre’s
very first rehoming successes.
We’re now part of the new Pets at Home store in
Sydenham, London with our ever first rehoming spot
away from our three centres. Every day a dog and a
cat looking for a home will spend the day at the store
soaking up attention and tucking into the odd treat
or two before returning to our Brands Hatch centre
in the evening.
Two of our feline friends, Jeffrey and Pepsi, have
been lucky enough to find a brand new home after
spending time in the store’s cosy cat room. Maggie
Labrosse from Lewisham visited Pets at Home and
fell for six year old Pepsi after the majestic moggy
spent 53 days in our care. Friendly gent Jeffrey was
rehomed just a week later, when Daphne Brebner
from Gravesend saw him in the store and then
rehomed him through our Brands Hatch centre.
You can find out more, including how to find us,
at battersea.org.uk/fromhome
Paws has made a budding
artist out of Battersea fan
Ruby Cahill, from Barnet.
Above Battersea
dogs marked the
opening of our
Home from Home,
our mini-centre
at the new Pets
at Home store in
Sydenham, London
Right Pepsi with
her new owners
Below Jeffrey,
who also found
himself a new
home through the
mini-centre
Ruby came to our London centre for a special visit
on her 6th birthday in August, and when she received
her very first copy of Paws through the post she
set to with a box of paint and an artist’s eye to draw
cover star Phyllis. We showed Phyllis’s pawtrait
to her new owner Clare Hobbs, who rehomed our
beautiful Mongrel girl in August. “What a fantastic
drawing, Phyllis loves it!” said Clare.
“I have always loved cats and will definitely get a cat from Battersea
when I move into my own house,” said Emily. “Whether it’s a kitten or
cat, I think it’s really important to go to a rescue centre like Battersea.”
And our late-night Purrsdays have seen lots of people doing just
that. We’re opening the Cattery to after workers, night shfters and
in betweeners on the last Thursday of every month, until 8pm.
Visit one of our centres to rehome, or text CATS to 70800 to
donate £5 towards caring for our cats.
Read more about
our latest kitty
crusade on page 16
Further Christmas
Are you a Santa with a sprint in your step? Then join our Battersea
team for the fundraising Santa Run in Victoria Park, East London,
on 8 December – we’ll provide the good cheer and the Christmas
costume; you decide between 5k and 10k runs.
For more information please call 020 7627 9339 or email
[email protected]
Find us at
Pets at Home
Bell Green Park
Spine Road
Sydenham
SE26 4PU
We’re looking for companions
for our animals, to give them a break
from kennel or cattery life.
Fostering
The Home from Home doesn’t just showcase
Battersea’s dogs and cats; visitors can also speak
to our expert team for information and advice on
everything from house training to neutering, as well
as pick up some brilliant Battersea souvenirs. With
over 1,000 visitors to Battersea Dogs & Cats Home
from Home in just the first week of opening, we’ve
got high hopes for our Brands Hatch dogs and cats.
So, if you are close by, please do pop in to see the
new mini-centre and meet our staff and animals.
A work of art
06
Winter 2013
Shaking it up –
Sami the Boxer
Veteran Molly takes the title
Meet our latest Ambassadog –15-year-old Mongrel Molly, who was
judged Best Battersea Dog at our Annual Reunion in Battersea Park.
Molly was rehomed by the Clare family from Woking when she was just
six months old, and being crowned top dog was a long-held dream for
owner Ruby.
07
Bali, Barbados,
Battersea …
FESTIVE
TV PICK
“It’s brilliant to win Best Battersea Dog because we’ve entered every time
we’ve been to the Annual Reunion,” said Ruby, 14. “I’ve known Molly my
whole life and she’s the most wonderful dog we could ever have asked
for. She’s deaf now and going blind but she’s still a great dog.”
Molly was also runner-up, with doggy pal Hector, in the Fancy Dress
class for their Sherlock Hound and Dog-ter Watson duo.
Five thousand owners and their dogs came to the reunion, sponsored
by PetPlan, and helped us raise £20,000 for our current residents.
We also welcomed special guests and Battersea Ambassadors Dame
Jacqueline Wilson and David Gandy, as well as Chelsea Pensioner
friends from The Royal Hospital.
Fit for anything
Honeymoon
dog Mandy
Paul has a very
Battersea Christmas
Sami the Boxer, who came to our Brands Hatch
centre as an undernourished stray in 2009, has
scaled the heights with owner Marianne Hunter this
year and is surely a shoo-in for fittest Battersea dog.
Battersea has joined the ranks of
the great honeymoon destinations,
thanks to Jeff and Irene Lille.
Paul’s coming Home
for Christmas
Sami is gaining quite a reputation for herself in the
distance running world. Her challenges this year
included two summer and one winter Fan Dance runs
in the Brecon Beacons, two Paras 10 endurance races,
the Grim Challenge and Zombie Evacuation runs, a
marathon, mountain trips and numerous training runs.
When they wed 38 years ago, on 1 March 1975,
Jeff and Irene chose the Home as their romantic
honeymoon hideaway.
Psst, want to know a Battersea secret? Paul
O’Grady’s back on our screens soon, with a brand
new For the Love of Dogs at Christmas special.
“When I rehomed her you said to ensure she got
enough exercise,” says Marianne, of Orpington, Kent.
“I assume this is what you meant…”
Molly and Ruby,
a winning pair
We woof you a merry Christmas
Christmas
pudding
Bobby
As Battersea prepares the festivities for all the homeless dogs and cats
who will turn to us for comfort this Christmas, we’re decking the halls
with bow wows of holly for our first-ever family Carol Concert.
We’re Home for Christmas at St Luke’s Church in Chelsea, London, on
Wednesday 11 December. As well as traditional carols, mulled wine and
mince pies, some of our lovely Battersea dogs will be greeting guests
with a festive guard of honour.
Season’s Greetings from aspire Estate Agents, proudly supporting this event.
Mandy was the best wedding present ever, and a
big part of Jeff and Irene’s life for the next 13 years.
The Lilles, from Eltham, South London, will never
forget their Mandy, and have decided to keep her
memory alive forever by choosing to remember
Battersea in their Will.
If you’d like to find out more about how to leave
a gift in your Will, call 020 7627 9247 or email
[email protected]
Paul and the ITV team have been at our centres in London,
Brands Hatch and Old Windsor, filming lots of lovely dogs with
heart-warming stories, happy endings, tinsel and tears. Our all new
hour-long special will be the highlight of the Christmas schedule but
we can’t give you the date and time of broadcast yet so keep an eye
on the listings.
For the Love of Dogs is now a multi awardwinning show, with a TV Choice Award,
a National Television Award and a BAFTA
nomination since our primetime show was first
broadcast in September 2012. We’ve also been
nominated for a second NTA accolade
in the Best Factual Entertainment section and a
TV Times Award for Best Factual Show.
Bring in the New Year
with a furry friend.
Find out more about dog fostering at battersea.org.uk/fostering
and cat fostering at battersea.org.uk/cats/fostering
Fostering
Tickets cost £20 for adults and £10 for children
under 12. Seating capacity is limited, so please
contact our Events team on 020 7627 9295 or
email [email protected]
“We’d seen a programme on the television about
giving a dog a home, so we set off to Battersea
instead of going on honeymoon. I’d never had a dog
before and when Irene spotted a German Shepherd
with the biggest paws I have ever seen, I said: ‘We
ain’t having that one’ – so of course we drove home
with her that night …” Jeff explained.
08
Winter 2013
Rehoming
Mr Pickles
Known nationwide after his boisterous appearances on our Paul O’Grady:
For the Love of Dogs ITV show as ‘the naughtiest dog at Battersea’,
Mr Pickles was rehomed by experienced Beagle owners Gordon Pitt and
Christine Harland from Bletchley. “When we saw Mr Pickles’ story we were
in floods of tears. He’s only young and has had a really unsettled start to life.
Taking him on has been quite an experience, but he’s finally becoming a
happier and better behaved dog and is so affectionate,” says Christine.
Forever loved
‘Without Battersea,
Eddie and I would
never have found
each other.
That’s why I’ve
remembered
Battersea Dogs
& Cats Home
in my Will.
Will you?’
For being your best friend.
For making home feel like home.
For being there when you feel down.
For every stroke and every hug.
For all the love they give.
For Battersea.
Forever.
Please remember Battersea’s
dogs and cats in your Will.
Elvis & Marie
This harmonious pair were two of a litter of young cats found on the streets
with their timid mum. After 74 days at Battersea, they went home with
Joe and Rachel from Beckenham in Kent and became Huxley and Molly.
Shy Huxley is finding his feet in the garden, and Molly’s proving to be a
wonderfully companionable lap cat. “Thanks for giving them such a good
start,” says Rachel.
Send or call for your free information pack about leaving
a gift in your Will.
Mr/Mrs/Ms/other
Surname
Address
Nancy
Postcode
Labrador Retriever cross Nancy deserved the very best in life after being
homeless, giving birth at Battersea, being rehomed and then coming
back to us because her owner died. Happily, she’s found exactly that, with
Nicola and Steve Mather from Leighton Buzzard in Hertfordshire. “We live
surrounded by countryside, and Nancy loves her long walks in the forest –
and our 19-year-old cat Dennis,” says Steve.
Telephone
Please return to: Battersea Dogs & Cats Home,
4 Battersea Park Road, London SW8 4AA
or call 020 7627 9300
!
Mr Pickles
J3865_BDCH_Legacy_press_WIN13_PAWS_135X192_F.indd 1
Rizzler
With 215 days at Battersea to his name, beautiful Staffie Rizzler was our
longest-stay dog. He’d spent lots of time in a loving foster home when the
real thing came along in the shape of the Perkins family from West London.
“Rizzler has completely taken over our family,” says Sarah. “He has settled
in really quickly, is a definite asset in terms of stopping squirrels digging up
the lawn and we couldn’t be happier with him. We feel very privileged to
have him.”
Elvis & Marie
Dalswinton
A Victorian stone-built house standing in 10 acres of gardens and
meadowland in the glorious Vale of Lanherne, midway between
Padstow and Newquay. Overlooking the village of St. Mawgan,
with views to the sea at Mawgan Porth, our hotel offers a warm
welcome, friendly atmosphere and great food prepared with fresh
local produce.We are totally non-smoking, and are not suitable
for children under 16 years old.
B&B from £48.00 pppn,
weekly rates available. SPECIAL
OFFERS: Please visit our website.
Nancy
Car parking and solar-heated
outdoor pool (in season).
All rooms en-suite with tea/coffee,
colour TV and free WiFi.
Dogs free of charge and
allowed everywhere
(except the dining room).
Licensed bar and restaurant
serving 3 course dinner.
Rizzler
First name
Proprietors: Stuart & Sal Hope
Dalswinton House, St Mawgan-in-Pydar
Cornwall TR8 4EZ
Self catering lodge sleeping
3 adults.
Easy access to Newquay airport
and the Eden Project.
8 acres of private meadowland
for dog exercise.
Telephone: 01637 860385
www.dalswinton.com
[email protected]
battersea.org.uk/forever
Registered charity No. 206394 AA11
01/11/2013 15:05
10
Winter 2013
11
AMBASSADOR
AMANDA
Our newest Ambassador, TV presenter,
actress and award-winning West End star
Amanda Holden tells us why she has
a special place in her heart for Battersea
12
Winter 2013
A PASSIONATE ADVOCATE
When our brilliant friend and steadfast supporter Amanda
Holden visited our London home recently, it was clear how much
Battersea means to this dedicated animal lover.
Amanda couldn’t wait to share hugs and cuddles with the doggy guard
of honour who greeted her, and she loved spending time in the Cattery,
helping our volunteers play with and socialise a litter of young kittens.
Amanda with
Battersea Staffie
Grace
Amanda has been a much-loved face on the
nation’s TV screens since her debut in 1992, starring
in hit series including Kiss Me Kate, Cutting It and
Wild at Heart. She’s won Best Actress awards for
her theatre work and has been a judge on Britain’s
Got Talent. Amanda has a Yorkie-Jack Russell cross
called Rudie, and Muffy the cat.
I’m so pleased to announce that Amanda is our fourth Battersea
Ambassador. Her commitment to the Home is unwavering – Amanda has
just co-hosted (with Paul O’Grady OBE) her third Collars & Coats Gala Ball
for us, helping Battersea raise money to care for all the dogs and cats who
so desperately need our help – and she is a passionate champion of rescue
dogs and cats.
Her continued support and her unquestionable love for animals makes
her a perfect advocate for the Home. We’re extremely grateful to now have
four very special Ambassadors who, through their passion and dedication,
help champion the work that Battersea does for all its dogs and cats.
Claire Horton, Chief Executive
OUR FANTASTIC FOUR
Battersea’s four Ambassadors
are Amanda Holden, international
supermodel David Gandy, our awardwinning For the Love of Dogs star
Paul O’Grady, and former Children’s
Laureate and best-selling author
Dame Jacqueline Wilson. They all
champion Battersea and our work.
13
THE BIG
INTERVIEW
We’re thrilled to welcome you as a Battersea
Ambassador. What does Battersea Dogs & Cats
Home mean to you?
I feel a great sense of relief when I know some of the
sad stories will have happy endings. My heart breaks
for the dogs and cats that are mistreated, lost or end
up at Battersea, but I know they have a loving and
caring temporary home until new parents can be
found for them.
We were also delighted that you were able to
visit our Home recently. We hear you fell for your
photoshoot canine co-star Minnie, and also had
a purrfect playtime in the Cattery. Tell us a little
about your day at Battersea.
Initailly I was worried I would feel sad when I visited
Battersea, but it is such a happy joyous place full of
happy endings. I can’t believe I didn’t come out with
ten new pets. I even saw the hugely talented Vets
carrying out a castration – and found it morbidly
fascinating. I spoke to my daughter Lexi about it, she
can’t wait to come down and meet all the animals.
You’re now an Ambassador for the 6,000 dogs and
3,000 cats who need our help and care every year.
What messages will you be sharing with your fans
about responsible ownership?
Our Ambassadors
at last year’s
Collars & Coats
ball; Amanda,
Dame Jacqueline,
Paul and David.
Collars & Coats guests
Ashleigh and Pudsey;
Dr Christian Jessen
and Hilary Alexander
Photos: David Baird
Battersea supporters including Dr Christian Jessen, Rula Lenska and
Craig Revel-Horwood enjoyed a Vintage Hollywood night out at this
year’s Collars & Coats Gala Ball in Battersea Park.
With a Vintage Hollywood theme, the night oozed glamour and class,
but our guests all had a single purpose – to help us raise the funds we
need to rebuild our Victorian kennels and give Battersea dogs the best
Home in between home that we can.
Our Chief Executive Claire Horton’s special guest was Battersea’s
President, HRH Prince Michael of Kent GCVO, and our legendary
doggy Guard of Honour also welcomed A-list celebrities, sporting
heroes and fashion icons including our Ambassadors David Gandy and
Dame Jacqueline Wilson, and presenters Fiona Bruce and Ben Fogle
Everyone can love an animal, but not everyone can
look after one. Get a pet for the right reasons, for
companionship and to enhance your life – not to be
left at home while you work long hours. Remember
they are expensive, and sometimes they can test you!
The upsides – if they are well looked after – are the
loyalty, love, companionship and joy an animal can
bring to your life, which is utterly priceless.
And will you be reminding people that rehoming
a rescue dog or cat is an incredibly rewarding and
fulfilling thing to do?
Rehoming and rescuing an animal is better than any
feeling in the world. Battersea is inundated with all
kinds of breeds, including some which you would pay
a fortune for. The rewards outweigh everything!
What do you think about our kitty crusade, the
Cat Takeover, to put our felines firmly in the
spotlight and find even more cute kittens and
cool cats a new home?
People often forget Battersea is a Dogs & CATS Home.
Those little balls of fluff need a home, just as much
as man’s best friend. The cute kitten factor is like
honey to a bee.
Amanda with
Minnie the
Mongrel, who
has now been
rehomed
In Battersea: The Musical, which part would you
love to play?
I would love to be an all singing all dancing Vet, and do
a big song and dance routine using all the equipment
(including X-ray machines) – Pudsey the heelwork to
music dog would have to be the lead though!
Do dogs and cats form part of your family life? Are
your girls Lexi and Hollie massive animal fans too?
Yes, we have Rudie the dog – he is mixed race. And
Muffy who is a posh Siberian fluffball. They are both
brilliantly tolerant with the children, as 22-month-old
Hollie often pulls Rudie around. And I often find Muffy
dressed in doll’s knitwear!
And did you have animals growing up?
Yes, I think it is extremely important wherever
possible to allow some kind of pet into your home,
to teach children about love, responsibility and loss.
We had Elsa the Golden Labrador until she was 18 years
old, rabbits, cats and a pond! There is no way I could
live my life without at least two animals!
What will be in your pets’ Christmas stockings?
Everything I can fit into a football sock! Muffy isn’t
a fan of catnip but loves anything that rolls. And Rudie
enjoys squeakers!
And what’s your special Christmas wish for
Battersea?
My special Christmas wish is that Battersea doesn’t
end up with lots of furry four-legged presents, and
instead gets a queue of people wanting to rehome
the deserving little souls in there.
Amanda's first autobiography No
Holding Back (Simon & Schuster)
was released last month and is
available in hardback.
15
Anxiety & Behaviour Solutions
Stop Pulling
Dog gallery
Mekuti Balance Harness
Enjoy walking your dog!
before
• Stop pulling on the lead
• Gentle, kind and really works!
• Removes strain on dog’s neck
A big woof out to everyone who sent in a photo
of their Battersea graduate. We’d love to use
them all but we just don't have the space!
Visit battersea.org.uk/dogs/happy_endings
to see more very special dogs.
1
MONEY BACK GUARANTEE
“Try out our system for 30 days,
if you are not delighted,
get your money back!”
2
5 mins after
“I cannot believe that this has really worked.
I was getting fed up with being pulled
around like a rag doll. The Mekuti arrived
and every walk has been fantastic. Even
with other dogs she was exactly the same,
calm and a joy to walk. I cannot praise this
product enough.”
Mrs A.L., Milton Keynes
Tex
3
Anxious behaviour
Stella
Honey
T-Shirts & Body Wraps
Calming your dog with a T-Shirt or Body Wrap helps reduce:
• Thunder and firework fright
• Aggression towards dogs and people
• Car and travel problems
“It really works! We had a week of fireworks
and thunder. Every time I put it on him within
five minutes he was asleep.
I am so grateful!”
Cath, Wuff Dog Training
Excessive Barking
Vinnie
5
6
Calming Band
A Calming Band is a very gentle way to help reduce:
• Barking, whining and licking
• Aggression and stress outside or inside
“I really didn’t expect this to work, but it has! Before, he
would start barking at any dog as soon as he could see them
now he greets them with his tail wagging.” Mrs J.C., Durham
Buddy
Holly
r
1 Tex, from Amy Hatche
rton
rington & Graham Mo
2 Stella, from Paul Her
rz
Sie
3 Vinnie, from Aleks
ker
4 Honey, from Maria Par
ding
5 Holly, from Dave Har
rris
6 Buddy, from Sarah Mo
ANIMAL CENTRED BEHAVIOUR AND TRAINING SOLUTIONS
ONLINE: www.mekuti.co.uk PHONE: 01132 590 589
Pull - Anx - Bark Full PAWS 1311.indd 1
05/11/2013 16:31
Please send us yo
ur pictures by em
ail to
paws@battersea.
org.uk
You can also write
to the address on
Page 1
If you’d like your pi
ctures returned, en
close an SAE
4
16
Winter 2013
17
Fed up of the dogs hogging the limelight, our cats are fighting back and
using their cunning, cleverness and all-round cuteness to claw their way
to the centre of attention. So far, they’re doing a very good job of it too.
The cats – and Battersea – have risen to the challenge of raising
awareness of our 130-year role in caring for and rehoming cats.
Our London Cattery is proudly displaying a three-storey high vinyl of a
beautiful black and white girl called Bertha, who is now enjoying life in
her new home. Posters featuring Bertha and former resident Steve the
Ginger Tom have caught the eye of many a cat lover at busy tube and
train stations throughout London, including Britain’s busiest, Waterloo.
Our website and social media channels have also dedicated themselves
to all things cat. And best of all, we’ve seen lots more people visiting
our Home so they can get involved in the Cat Takeover and rehome one
of our residents.
This year we’re celebrating our 130th
year of looking after cats. Our moggies
are marking the occasion in their own
style by staging a Cat Takeover in the
hope of finding their pawfect partners.
Famous Felines
Our kitty crusaders may not need an ego boost
but many of our moggies are mighty enough to
deserve it.
Larry, Chief Mouser at No 10 Downing Street
Arguably the most famous feline who we helped
to find a home, Larry took up residence behind that
famous black door in 2011. He has fast become the
most well-known kitty in the country as he greets VIPs,
including American President Barack Obama, and
makes regular appearances in the world’s media.
Larry
Left Larry on patrol
in Downing Street
Below Pluto takes
it easy at Battersea
Arts Centre
Shadow & Star prove cats are good for the soul
How the Cat Takeover began
When our founder Mary Tealby
opened her Home for Lost &
Starving Dogs in 1860, cats had
roamed the streets for centuries.
So, it wasn’t long before felines
first found a Home with us in
1883. By the turn of the century,
we were caring for around 500
cats with new arrivals turning up
on an increasingly regular basis.
We’re proud to say that we have
made a huge impact on the lives
of London’s cats over the years.
Today, we have an average of 190
cats in our care at any one time
in our three centres and in foster
homes and we find new homes
for them every day.
Above Bertha bursts out of our Cattery
Below Steve the Ginger Tom features in
adverts across London
Pair of pussycats Shadow and Star enjoy the ultimate
haven of peace and tranquillity at the Jamyang
Buddhist Centre in Kennington, London. Star, who
is now called Tara – which is Tibetan for Star – and
Shadow, who has been renamed Kala, spend their
days in the calm courtyard welcoming visitors.
Pluto
Pluto is cast as Battersea Arts Centre cat
This lovely local venue rehomed our super black fella
back in 2007 and he’s been making his mark behind
the scenes ever since. He wins over his legions of fans
by helping out in the offices – which often involves
lolling around on a desk or taking a nap in someone’s
chair. His artistic adventures are charted on Twitter
@Pluto_BAC
18
Winter 2013
Taking over in your homes too
It’s not just at our Home where the cats are taking over either. Lots of
our supporters on Facebook and Twitter have shared photos and videos
of cats ruling the roost in their homes too. Whether it’s sitting in a sink,
deciding a desk is the perfect spot for a cat nap or squatting in suitcases,
your cats take over whenever the opportunity arises.
Here are some of our favourites.
r
Tigge
a
Matild
Did you know?…
Battersea has been looking after cats for
130 years
In that time we have looked after more than
229,000
19
How you can lend a paw in the Cat Takeover
Visit one of our three centres to meet
your new feline friend – our London
Cattery is staying open until 8pm on
the last Thursday of every month for
late night Purrsdays so you can meet
and greet our cats late into the evening
fabulous felines
Buy a present or a treat for
one of the cats in our care by
visiting our online shop at
battersea.org.uk/shop
In 2002, Battersea Dogs Home became
The photo shows that wherever
I want to sit – so does he. He is
quite the poser too as you can
see – with his tongue poking
out, he’s a cheeky boy. He has
definitely become a wonderful
member of the family – we love
having Tigger with us.
Anna Goswell, South Croydon
Matilda made herself at home
within an hour of getting here.
She is into everything, constantly
wrapping herself around our legs
and is a great companion when
working from home.
Battersea Dogs
& Cats Home
Mark Gilby, Wimbledon
ose
Lily-R
Lucky
Molly, Benson and Baby Girl are
all still looking for new homes –
help us to care for a feline
waiting for a family by texting
CATS to 70800 to donate £5
In 2010, HRH The
Duchess of Cornwall
officially opened
a state-of-theart cattery at our
London centre
For the first time in Battersea’s history,
more cats have been rehomed than dogs
at our London centre over the last year
Molly
1,607 1,342
Cats
Lucky has got into the habit of
religiously every morning at
4:30am scratching the carpet
or coming up to our face in bed
until we go downstairs and feed
him. We don’t appreciate the
early mornings but we would do
pretty much anything for him.
He is a spoiled cat, we adore him
and he makes us laugh with his
funny ways, his funny games and
his funny sleeping positions. He
is the light of our life.
Lily-Rose has become firm friends
with the cat we already had,
Lucy-Lou, and they will regularly
curl up together and give each
other a wash. She has also
discovered her purr and uses it
to full effect. She has developed
into a real character and is
certainly vocal enough to make
sure she is noticed.
Sarah Simmonds, Waltham Abbey
Kirsty Marshall, Epsom
Has your cat taken over your home? Send your photos
and stories to [email protected]
16%
more
moggies
Baby Girl
Send your Happy Endings to
[email protected], and share your
stories, photos and videos with us on
Facebook (facebook.com/battersea)
or Twitter (@bdch) using the hashtag
#CatTakeover and on YouTube and
Pinterest
Dogs
Our centres have
rehomed 16% more
cats than this time
last year, with 318
more moggies finding
marvellous homes
Benson
Visit battersea.org.uk/CatTakeover
to download fun images for your
desktop wallpaper or your social
media profile pages
20
Winter 2013
21
Santa’s little helper
We have had Donner, now called Holly, since
rehoming her from Battersea as a pup. It’s nice to see,
thanks to Paws, that her brothers and sisters, who
were Cupid, Dancer, Vixen and Comet, are all doing
well. Holly is a good dog, a loving member of our
family and loves our three girls.
Ozzie
Sophie
Dave Harding, Walton-on-Thames
Ripley
Paws for thought
Our beautiful Siberian Husky/Labrador Maddie who
we rehomed from Battersea two years ago. She loves
to keep up with the news in Paws magazine.
STAR
LETTER
Sanaya Ngo, South Croydon
Maddie
The talented Ripley
Age and beauty
Dear Ripley, who we rehomed from you way back in 2005, is now 12 and
still going strong. He has made history by being the first canine to travel
from the Bluebell Railway’s Sheffield Park station to East Grinstead
for the first time since it closed in 1958. The Bluebell is now connected
to the National network and attached is the photograph of him being
welcomed by the Station Master, who happens to also be the Bluebell’s
chairman, Roy Watts.
Never be put off rehoming an oldie. My dear Sophie
died seven years and 15 days after coming home with
me. She was 18 and a beautiful old lady. What age was
she when I rehomed her from Battersea? It didn’t
matter – she looked at me, grinned, and I was smitten.
What joy and love she gave to all who knew her. The
age of a ‘rescue’ is unimportant – the dog is.
Nigel and Toni Simpkins, Tonbridge, Kent
Kathryn Andrews, Westerham, Kent
Holly
Oz is wizard
In March 2009, I was at Battersea when I came across a veteran dog then
named ‘Bazza’. I was so struck by the sheer hopelessness and dejection in
his large old brown eyes surrounded by his greying hair. I knew without
any doubt in my mind that he was coming home with me.
At the time of rehoming Bazza, his age had been estimated by the
Battersea staff as ‘mid-teens’. Still with us in the Hampshire countryside
four years later, his age remains a mystery and he is adored and
cherished by all who know him.
Now renamed Ozzie – or Ozwald Cobblepot on formal occasions – he
lives the life of a country gentleman – best friends with Honey, a rescued
stray from Portugal, our two rescued battery hens, cats and horses – he
is truly an absolutely irreplaceable member of our family and we feel so
lucky to have him in our lives.
We know that realistically it is simply not physically possible for our
wonderful Oz to be around for that much longer and it is for this reason
that I wanted to make sure he had a mention in Paws before he gets his
angel wings – and I have no doubt they will be very special wings indeed
– for an incredibly special dog. When that time comes, we know that his
‘vacancy’ would only ever be filled by another older rescued dog, for they
are truly wonderful, loving and wise and deserve to live out their last
years in a loving home.
We love you Ozzie, thank you for choosing us.
Emma, Paul, your family and friends, Hampshire
Matchmaking, Battersea-style
Angel
Tim Stockwell, Sidcup
Sweetest Rosie
Lucy… an update
My mum retired and moved to Derby with her
partner John. I love him and am pretty sure he loves
me too. Now I have five adoring grandchildren as you
can see from the photo. In February, I was diagnosed
with lymphoma, my spleen was also affected.
I started my chemotherapy just a few days later
and happily now at week 15 there are no cancerous
cells. My vet Elsa and my clinical nurses, Jenny, Zoe
and Lindsey are just the best, in fact everyone is lovely
and one of my reports says ‘Lucy is a lovely dog and
we all love her’. I have lost some of my hair and am
looking forward to it growing back at the end of my
treatment. I read the Paws magazine with my Mum’s
help and always hope that the residents of the kennel
I sponsor (Number 9) find a loving home like I did.
My Mum discusses my chemotherapy treatment
with me and worries a lot but I tell her that every
day is precious and I can cope with hair loss and
not feeling so good sometimes as long as we can be
together.
Lucy (and Andrea & John Delaine), Derby
Lucy and family
This is Angel, a Battersea girl. We got her when she
was 15 months old and she is now nine. It still only
seems like yesterday.
Could you sponsor a Kennel or Kitty Kabin?
Find out how at battersea.org.uk/get_involved
Myszka
Mo
Tinners and friend
Two times three
When I arrived at Battersea that weekend, as a volunteer to make some
aftercare calls, I didn’t expect to be going home with a cat – I already have
a 13 year old, Mojito, missing a leg and tail following an argument with
a car when she was a kitten, who was quite happy being the centre of
attention. But when I had a walk around the cat pens, I saw a little fluffy
ginger and white kitten, with a cone and an amputated leg and I knew
I could offer him a good home.
So he’s settled in well, the two cats have 6 legs and one tail (but what a
tail!) between them. Tinners loves chasing butterflies, insects and frogs
in the garden and can make some quite impressive jumps for an invalid!
He’s very vocal, happy to follow you around and ‘talk’ at you and loves his
evening ‘play’ with the brush – it’s amazing how much dust and leaves
can get caught up in that tail. He’s managed to bully both of my brother’s
cats, my parents’ cat and their Labrador into submission, although he
hasn’t had such luck with Mo; has happily travelled to Derbyshire and
Cornwall in the car and made himself at home in other houses. He’s the
friendliest cat I’ve ever known; he settles down and purrs on anyone who
makes the mistake of sitting down.
Thank you for letting me take him home – he’s lovely and I feel so
lucky to have such a handsome, friendly cat!
Megan Peat, London
Myszka arrived at Battersea as a stray. She must
have been a resourceful little thing, because she
was almost blind. We formed a strong bond – she
enjoyed lazing on my lap in the garden and would
follow me everywhere. She managed to disappear
while exploring, but thanks to a leaflet campaign, a
neighbour contacted me after a week to say she had
been looking after her.
Amazingly, this lady had seen her photo on the
Battersea website and had thought about adopting
her herself, even remembering her Battersea
name, Rosie. Myszka had a heart murmur and later
developed cancer, but before that, we spent a happy
two years together; she comforted me so much
while I was recovering from cancer and then I was
able to look after her when she became ill. She had
the sweetest nature and I miss her terribly. I am so
grateful for the time we had together.
Kelly Kolkiewicz, Wandsworth
In loving memory
Layla
Philip and Lark
Lane-Owen, Aldershot
Layla
22
Winter 2013
It’s winter, and our friends from the
north are in their element, weatherwise. But can these double-coated
characters fit into our lives as pets?
“They can be more
work than your
average dog, but
once you put in the
time and training
they are incredibly
loyal and loving.”
Wolf, bear, status dog, distance runner, family pet –
like the Staffie, the four-strong Northern breed pack
of Akita, Husky, Inuit and Malamute risks being
misread, misrepresented and misunderstood.
Battersea is taking in rising numbers of all these
breeds – so far this year 26 Akitas, 16 Malamutes,
65 Siberian Huskies and one Northern Inuit. Back
in 1988, when the dog occupying most kennels at
the Home was the Mongrel (15,099), followed by
the German Shepherd (1,614), we took in two Huskies,
one Akita, and no Malamutes. The Northern Inuit
hadn’t even been invented.
So why the change? And what are these lions of
winter really like? Where is their ideal home in
lowland Britain, and who is their human soulmate?
23
explore this on a dog-by-dog basis as they can be
prone to chase even though they might be playing.”
And as they’re slightly more primitive and instinctive
than a more highly-bred dog, they can be fans of
digging, howling and other behaviours that they
think are perfectly acceptable but their owners won’t.
“But if you want a dog to teach fun tricks to, go
jogging with or simply snuggle up on the sofa, they’ll
be up for the challenge,” says Sarah.
And a Northern breed’s perfect person? “Someone
engaging, active, who enjoys training, likes the buzz
of teaching something new and also has patience.
Because the Northern breeds won’t do something
just because you’ve asked – like a Labrador – but
because they’ve weighed up what they’re going to
get out of the transaction, whether that’s the reward
of love, or a sausage. And that answer might change
from day to day.
Akita
Siberian Husky
The Akita is the largest of
the Spitz group of dogs (the
smallest is the Pom). Japanese
Akitas were originally bred to
be the protectors and hunting
companions of the Shogun –
a military class – and Akitas are
bold, proud dogs who are loyal
and protective to their family and
affectionate with people they
know. Their impressive double
coats make them well suited to
the northern climes where they
originated.
Another Spitzy, double-coated
breed, the Husky is born to run.
He can – and will – go for miles,
with or without a sled. Huskies
love company. They may not
bond easily to many people, but
when they do they’re incredibly
loyal. Huskies need lots of
exercise, and because their
recall can go out of the window
when they sense the chase is on,
they often need to be kept on
the lead and have a good level
of training.
“And someone who doesn’t mind that at times they
will be more intelligent than you.”
Super cool customers
1
Battersea Canine Welfare Trainer Sarah Tapsell has
a long-time interest in the Northern breeds, and
worked at a wolf sanctuary in North Devon for four
years. The sanctuary also had pet Northern Inuits
and Czechoslovakian Wolf Dogs.
Sarah puts the rise of the Northern breed down to
the increase in our fascination with the ancestor of
all dogs – the wolf. In the wild, wolves are regaining
a welcome foothold after hundreds of years of
persecution.
You can find out
much more about
the Husky, and raise
money for Battersea,
by tackling our
Arctic Circle by Dog
Sled challenge.
Find out more at
battersea.org.uk/sled
“They can be more work than your average dog, but
once you put in the time and training to bond and
create that relationship they are incredibly loyal and
loving. Their intelligence and energy mean you’ll
have a very fulfilling and fun relationship. They take
to any activity well – agility, flyball fun scent work,
even pulling a sled.”
Sarah says many arrive at Battersea looking
for a fresh start because their owners have
underestimated the commitment and work needed
to create a well-balanced dog. And yet they do
make good family pets, with the right guidance and
ground rules.
“However exotic breeds like the Husky and the Inuit
look, the animal in your home is a beloved pet dog,
not a wolf,” says Sarah. “They’re as close to a wolf as
a Chihuahua is.
“They’re not suited to being home alone all day
with only a short walk. They need large amounts of
exercise, mental stimulation and games. The only
real way to build a good bond with them is to spend
time with them, so they’re not suitable for everyone.
“Northern breeds have been less intensively bred
away from that original template, it’s true – but they
are still a different species, which is what allows us
to live alongside them in our homes as family pets.”
These are dogs who tend to be intelligent, strongwilled and independent – and will make a decision
if you don’t do it for them.
2
Sarah Tapsell
Battersea Canine
Welfare Trainer
“They need space – they’re really energetic animals.
Ideally an enclosed, safe garden so they can have
secure off lead time if their recall’s not great. They
can get on well with other animals, but we always
4
3
1Alaskan Malamute Rambo originally came from Spain. His owner was
evicted and Rambo found himself homeless too.
2Siberian Husky Rose, found straying in Brentford, who needs
experienced and active owners.
3Five-month-old Koda, an Akita who was given to Battersea because of
his owner’s change in circumstances.
4Five-month-old Northern Inuit Maisy, a playful girl who was found
straying, and even though she had a microchip her owner chose not to
claim her. She has now been rehomed.
Alaskan Malamute
Northern Inuit
Perfectly at home in the Arctic
Circle, preferably pulling large
loads for their Eskimo owners,
the Malamute is a pack dog
with a strong instinct to chase
and run. Kennel Club figures
say Malamute numbers have
risen tenfold in the past decade,
making them the fastestgrowing breed in Britain. They
outnumber Poodles, Basset
Hounds and Corgis.
This handsome fellow is
actually a crossbreed designed
to look like a wolf, but with
the gentler, more trainable
character of the domesticated
dog. He might have German
Shepherd, Siberian Husky
and Inuit breeding within, so
his personality will reflect his
ancestry. This is a relatively new
breed, not yet recognised by
the Kennel Club but growing in
popularity. They can make
a very good family pet.
24
Winter 2013
ppeal
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25
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Max e
Name: Max
Age: 4 years
Breed: Boxer Cross
This Christmas, Max will have been at Battersea for nine months.
He’ll be dreaming of a White Christmas, of course, but also of his own
loving home, where he’ll be the life and soul of the party and a magnet
for all the toy action. He’ll enjoy training, and staying focused to earn
treats, and will reward the love of his new family by being an amazing
companion.
Call our Brands Hatch centre on 01474 875109
or email [email protected]
enson
B
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l
t
n
Ge
hance
c
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n
o
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s
ve a se as cracker
i
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Could
Christ s winter?
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lookin
Name: Benson
Age: 4 years
Breed: Domestic Short Hair
Beautiful Benson is FIV positive, which means he’d like to be an indoor cat
but with an enclosed outside run. He was home alone before he came to
Battersea; such a shame for a friendly, affectionate chap who loves being
stroked and groomed. He loves company, and playing games. Christmas
cat’s cradle, anyone?
Call our Old Windsor centre on 01784 494460
or email [email protected]
hm
t rhyt
o
g
s
’
a
Samb
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of a ne
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a
D
Name: Dexter
Age: 2–3 years
Breed: Staffordshire Bull Terrier Cross
Name: Dawn
Age: 3 years
Breed: Domestic Short Hair
Sweet Dexter needs calming influences to become an even more special
boy. He has loads of energy, and enjoys playing with other dogs. Dexter
can be shy around people until he gets to know them, so he’s hidden
himself away when visitors to our kennels try to meet him. Could you
bring Dexter out of his shell?
As 2014 dawns, will our chunky black beauty be where she yearns to be –
ruling the roost and calling the shots in a new home? Although happy
to give it up for treats and the odd stroke, Dawn is an independent lass
who would suit working owners. Rumour has it she trills like a diva and
will wind herself around your legs as a party trick.
Call our Brands Hatch centre on 01474 875109
or email [email protected]
Name: Samba
Age: 6 years
Breed: Domestic Short Hair
Samba came to Battersea in April, because her owner was moving house
and, as Christmas approaches, she’s not feeling very festive. Samba needs
a calm, settled home to match her quiet, sensitive character. She loves
company and will bring comfort and joy to any silent nights with her
peaceable, placid nature.
Call our Old Windsor centre on 01784 494460
or email [email protected]
life?
Call our Battersea centre on 0843 5094444
or email [email protected]
n
s of fu
d
a
o
l
s
Lola’
Name: Lola
Age: 4 years
Breed: Bull Mastiff
What a gentle giant Lola is. Lola has recently been voted the wiggliest
Battersea dog of 2013 – she can twirl faster than a garland of tinsel in a
breeze. She is much-loved by us all, for her sunny personality, her softness
and sociability with people and dogs, and her yearning brown eyes,
which are surely saying: ‘Be my friend, and take me home’.
Call our Battersea centre on 0843 5094444
or email [email protected]
26
Everyone wants to be home for Christmas.
This year, 400 dogs and 200 cats will be
guests at our Home and helping add
to the very special memories
staff and volunteers
have of…
Winter 2013
Rebecca Norris, Rehoming, Old Windsor
Rosie was a Jack Russell Terrier who arrived here on
the 14th of December 2011 as a gift; her owners didn’t
have enough time for her so brought her in to us.
Rosie was only a baby, weighing in at a little over 6kg.
I seem to remember she came in wearing a coat; once
the owners had left we then removed it and saw that
obviously she was heavily pregnant!
That year I was working on Christmas Day,
cleaning, feeding and spending time with the dogs,
and making up special meals of potato, turkey and
carrot that had been cooked for them as a treat.
All day Rosie was fine, just snuggled up in her
warm bed listening to the carols playing on the radio.
But the final time I checked, I noticed a tiny puppy
nestled next to her. She quickly gave birth to two more,
coping really well and managing fine by herself with
just me keeping a close eye on her. I named the pups
Mary, Joseph and Nick – they were all rehomed, and so
was Rosie. It was a really lovely Christmas for me, I do
love puppies.
*
*
Jill Craven, Volunteer, London
*
I’d been volunteering at Battersea for almost three
years in 2009, and decided that I’d spend Christmas
Day helping out at the Home, walking dogs, sitting
in kennels, wearing a Santa hat; I simply wanted to
“do something”.
The Animal Welfare Assistant was thrilled to see me,
and between us and another volunteer we got all the
dogs out, managed a bite of Christmas lunch, laughed
a lot, cried not a bit and went home exhausted. It was a
good day; and one I have repeated every year since.
27
Carly Perry, Rehoming Co-ordinator
I remember helping serve up festive dinners in the
café to the kennel staff on Christmas Day. We used
to have a glass of wine with our dinner!
*
*
Michael O’Byrne, Fundraising
*
The first time I came to Battersea on Christmas Day
it didn’t go as planned. We rely so much on volunteers
to exercise our dogs, and whilst many do give up their
time, understandably it can be difficult for some to
get to the Home on Christmas Day so I had planned to
come in and walk a few dogs around Battersea Park
before going to visit my family for a festive lunch.
However, the first dog I took for a walk was an
elderly gent called Herman. Walking around the park
on Christmas morning is a wonderful experience
with strangers smiling to each other and sharing
seasonal greetings. Herman got quite a few admiring
comments and cuddles too.
Whilst no spring chicken, he was a clever chap and
as soon as he twigged we were making our way back
to the Home, Herman dug his heels in and decided that
he was perfectly happy to stay in the park. Our brisk
walk turned into an hour and a half marathon of wills,
and when I eventually did get him back to his kennel,
I didn’t have time to walk another dog.
I still remember him with fondness though and it
was lovely to receive a letter from his new dad a couple
of months later. Walking dogs on Christmas Day is
now a highlight of the festive period for me and I
always think of Herman. You never forget your first.
Matt Marshall, Volunteer Dog Socialiser, London
I would like to say, as I was in on Christmas Day 2012, that it was
magical… but it was just wet and windy. I’m coming in on Christmas
Day 2013 and I will have a great day, just like every day I come into the
Dogs & Cats Home. Every day is magical at Battersea.
*
*
*
Clint Singh, Volunteer Photographer, Brands Hatch
My favourite Battersea Christmas memory is the festive photoshoot I did
in 2012 with a litter of kittens. They were really cute, and loads of fun to
work with. I could have continued all day but one of the kittens held out
her paw, almost as if to say: “Ok, we’ve had enough now!”
*
*
*
Claire Horton, Chief Executive
I absolutely loved the Battersea Christmas carol concert in 2012. Quite
simply, it was a moment for us all to come together, to share the joy of
Christmas, a really busy and often tough time for the Home and our
animals. It brought our Battersea family together, to reflect on the year
we'd had and the poorly and desperately sad animals we'd taken through
our doors, nursed back to health, loved, cared for and given a second
chance. And it gave us time to give thanks for all we have and all we are
able to achieve with the help of all of our supporters around the country.
Christmas is my favourite time of year as it is a special time that brings
out the best in everyone; when people take that opportunity to say hello
to someone they don't know, to smile at each other, to laugh and to come
together with close friends and family and most of all to give thanks for
the wonderful blessing of our pets in our lives.
The Battersea carol concert gave us a chance to do just that. It was
such a lovely event. I'll never forget how cold it was and yet how snug and
warm and happy we all were, especially our dogs who had such a lovely
time. I of course had my lovely Wilma with me in her fleecy festive red
coat and we stood huddled together merrily singing carols in between
a litter of Lurcher puppies being carried by our nurses and bundled up
in the brightly coloured blankets knitted so lovingly by our wonderful
supporters.
We sang Battersea's very own version of the 12 Days of Christmas with
lines like ‘Five golden Labs, four Siamese, three Tortoiseshells, two Ginger
Toms and a Poodle in a pear tree.’
Paul O’Grady was there of course singing his heart out and as we sang
and laughed and enjoyed just being together with our colleagues and
our animals, snow fell softly and life, and the world, just for a little while,
seemed almost perfect.
*
*
*
Ali Taylor, Canine Welfare
I once slept at Battersea on Christmas Eve with a dog called Cabbage, so
I could make sure I was at work in time because I didn’t drive then (plus I
was obsessed with the dog). And one Christmas Day I also did a live radio
interview about people who worked on this special day and I was there
to answer behaviour questions. The only problem was not one of them
was dog or cat related so I was in danger of being rather embarrassed by
my ignorance. One lady said her rabbit attacked her every morning and
another question was about a bald budgie. I said they both sounded quite
stressed and advised a visit to the vet!
*
*
*
Wish a Battersea dog or cat a very merry
Christmas with a tasty treat or top toy –
buy them a special present online at
battersea.org.uk/shop
WHY NOT BUY
A GIFT FOR A
DOG OR CAT IN
OUR CARE?
28
Winter 2013
Help the Home and...
Buy for
Battersea
We’ve teamed up with
cottages4you to bring you a
fantastic selection of pet friendly
cottages. Discover properties in
the UK, Ireland and overseas and
enjoy a break where you have the
freedom and flexibility to do what
you want when you want.
Visit
PET
FRIENDLY
HOLIDAYS
orbattersea
battersea.org.uk/buyf
Help to raise valuable
funds for Battersea by
buying from our speciallyselected partners.
For every holiday booked through
the site Battersea Dogs & Cats
Home receives a 10% donation of
the holiday cost.
29
Cat gallery
Whether you are planning a festive
family get together or a relaxing
escape in the new year book your
break with cottages4you and
feel great about supporting the
animals in our care.
What a striking line-up of Battersea cats in
their new homes. Thank you to everyone who
sent us a photo of their special pal – we’re sorry
we can’t publish them all. You can see more at
battersea.org.uk/cats/happy_endings
1
3
2
Don’t forget our friends at
SockShop are also donating
12% of every order when the
code BATTERSEA is entered
in the gift voucher code box
when shopping online.
10%
DONATION FOR
Zac
Tony & Scooch
5
EVERY BOOKING
Paddy
4
Christmas
Carol Concert
Wednesday
11 December 2013
Up to £5,000 for vet
fees per condition
Fluffy Puffy
St Luke’s Church
Sydney St
London SW3 6NH
7
6
For further information and to book tickets visit
battersea.org.uk/carolconcert or call 020 7627 9295
No extra cost to
pay monthly
Hamish
£9.10
PER MONTH
FS21336792
FROM
Gypsy
Jasper
0800 085 0142
For textphone first dial 18001. Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat 9am-5pm. Calls may be recorded.
Prices are dependent on individual circumstances when you buy a new policy. Price
shown is based on our Essential level of cover for a 3mth old Dachshund, micro chipped,
valued under £300 and living in the DT5 1AB postcode and are correct as at 10/09/13.
a Mooney
1 Paddy, from Vaness
ahilly
2 Zac, from Helen O'R
Neil Symons
3 Tony and Scooch from w
Sha
4 Hamish, from Angela
an Constantinou
5 Fluffy Puffy, from Sus
y Llewellyn
6 Gypsy, from Jessam
Alan Lloyd
7 Jasper, from Judy and
Please send us yo
ur pictures by em
ail to
paws@battersea.
org.uk
You can also write
to the address on
Page 1
If you’d like your pi
ctures returned, en
close an SAE
30
Ask the experts:
Toy stories
Winter 2013
We handpicked a gang of Battersea technicians – Rufus the Rottie, Staffies
Frog and Rocky, and Akita Max – to road test our great new range of dog toys.
Developed using Battersea staff expertise and knowledge, and
in partnership with pet toy designer Rupert’s Pet Shop, these toys are
designed to be safe and fun for dogs of all shapes and sizes.
No toys were harmed in the making of this feature but some are looking
a little the worse for wear…
ttersea.org.uk/shop
ba
at
e
lin
on
d
an
es
or
st
r
m Tesco, in ou
Battersea Dog Toys Buy fro
Super Foam Flyer
Super Squeaker Balls
Super Flinger Retrieve Toy
Made from our special safe, antibacterial foam. Light, easy
to throw and floats.
Does what it says on the label, and all in non-abrasive
material that’s kind to teeth.
Tough rubber and soft natural cotton rope combine in
a great outdoor toy. Just swing and fling.
Frog: I nearly tripped over my ears running after this
amazing Flyer. When I did catch up with it, I found it easy
to pick up and run off with. Not for sharing. When we tried
it in the paddling pool, it turned out that I don’t float…
Rocky: THROW IT! *run, run, run* THROW IT!! *run, run,
run* (and repeat until it’s too dark to see anymore).
Frog: We played for ages. It was such fun and I didn’t
want to go home for my dinner. My human co-tester was
careful to throw the flinger for me, not at me, and I soon
learned to bring it back for another go.
Super Squeaky Toy
Tumball
Hide ‘n’ Fetch Reward Bone
Six squeakers and lots of lovely plush.
Also made from our special foam, Tumballs have an
exciting random bounce, they float and fit a standard ball
launcher.
Unwrap and put a treat in one of the pockets. Make
your dog sit and wait, hide the bone and encourage him
to retrieve to get his reward.
Rufus: Oh. My. Dog. These guys are awesome, and you
get two in a pack for double the fun. Tricky little bouncers
too – they fly about all over the place. Amaze balls. Get
them on your Christmas wishlist, boys and girls.
Max: When I found out there are three treat pockets,
I was so excited! Finding the bone was great and with
a bit of practice I learned how to unwrap it and get the
treat. Self service – yum.
Max: Nothing like a sloppy, comforting cuddle with a
soft toy, is there? I’ve called him Marvin – we’ll be friends
for years. Unless Rufus gets hold of him, of course. No toy
is indestructible, sadly.
Our brand new range of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home
toys is available to order from the Christmas
Goodies pages at the back of this issue or online at
battersea.org.uk/shop
You can also find them in our three shops at the
Battersea, Old Windsor and Brands Hatch centres, and
online and in selected Tesco stores. The sale of each one
helps us look after all the dogs and cats in our care.
32
Day in the life
The seven Lurchers
of Christmas
Remember the seven Lurcher pups who lit up our ITV
Christmas special, Paul O’Grady: For the Love of Dogs
last year? Holly, Ivy, Mince Pie, Dean, Dora, Dilys and
Dixie were all born at Battersea on 2 November 2012.
Their mum – a Battersea dog – rejected the puppies
so the litter were hand-reared by our wonderful Vet
Nurses. All happily rehomed, the littermates are looking
forward to their first proper Christmas, so we asked
their new families to reveal what a Christmas Day in the
life of a young Lurcher will be like.
Betty (Holly) and the Nail
family, East Molesley, Surrey
Apart from snoozing, Betty will
undoubtedly be trying to eat our
Christmas dinner and digging
holes in our lawn between naps.
Of course, butter wouldn't melt …
Dora and Jane Bishop,
Folkestone, Kent
We’re really looking forward to
her first Christmas with us. I don't
think our decorations are going to
be very Dora proof, though. Dora
will be unwrapping her favourite
toy which is a small squeaky
space hopper. She's also got her
own stocking, which we'll hang
on the fireplace, filled with treats
for Christmas Day. And she’ll be
eating the last treat in her very
own doggy Advent calendar.
Ashling (Dixie) and the Thomas
family, Morden, Surrey
Ashling came into our lives on
29 December 2012 and helped to
mend our broken hearts after we
had to say goodbye to our dear
Washington (a Battersea dog)
after 15 very happy years. We’re
a bit worried about Christmas as
Ashling does like to steal things
and eat them and we do have a lot
of Christmas decorations, so plans
will have to be put in place. But
she will definitely have her own
Christmas stocking to hang on the
mantelpiece and as long as she
doesn’t chase the reindeer I’m sure
there will be lots of treats for her.
Winter 2013
Barry (Dean), with Rachel and
Rory, SE London
For Christmas, Barry will be
unwrapping a present (with a
squeaky toy, but don’t tell him that
or you'll ruin the surprise!). If he's
lucky he'll get a few scraps of turkey
from the Christmas table, then a
nice long walk in our local park,
where he'll probably meet some
of his friends! That'll tire him out,
so he'll then go to sleep by the fire
while we watch the telly. He’s rather
taken with the tinsel, so we think
the Christmas tree will be in for a
mauling this year!
Mince Pie, with the Maslin
family, Chippenham, Wiltshire
One of Mince Pie’s favourite things
to do is to rip any piece of paper into
shreds so Christmas Day is going
to be one exciting time for him. It
will be snowing paper in our house.
Mince Pie has a sack full of presents
for him waiting to be played with,
along with our three other dogs,
Toffee, Stanley and Betty, his best
friends. Mince pies are a favourite
at Christmas time, but my Mince Pie
is a favourite all year round.
Maggie (Ivy), with the Allen
family, Teddington
Maggie will be sleeping off her
roast turkey and chipolata lunch.
She was going to watch the Queen’s
speech, but as Camilla didn't
feature and the corgis did, she’ll
retire for an afternoon nap instead.
After her nap she will be watching
the recording she received in her
stocking, Paul O’Grady: For the Love
of Dogs, in the hope that she may
see someone she knows…
Susie (Dilys), with Penny and
Alan Holman, Haywards Heath
We knew it would happen, she
loves the tree. Its lights, the tinsel,
the baubles and the noise it makes
when you jump on it and make it
fall over. Susie must learn, but we
can help. NO chocolates on the tree.
Don't put the presents out under
the tree before Christmas morning
and don't leave Susie alone in
the same room as a beautifullydecorated tree. After dinner, put
the TV on, time to relax? Not
this year. Susie gets her lead, tail
wagging. We're all off out for a hike,
much better than lazing around.
Christmas Goodies 2013
Order at battersea.org.uk or call 020 7627 9228
A very Merry Christmas to you all
Battersea Dogs & Cats Home rescues, reunites and rehomes dogs and cats.
Since 1860, we have helped over 3.1m dogs and cats and we aim never to turn
away an animal in need. Around 400 dogs and 190 cats will spend Christmas at
Battersea this year, the purchase of these goodies will help us to care for them.
Christmas cards
C01
24d
£8.99
C03
6 designs
£4.75
C02
Boxe
cards
£4.75
140x140mm
137x137mm
C06
10
£3.60
C05
127x127mm
Cards per
pack
£5.99
124x210mm
C08
£4.75
140x140mm
C04
£3.60
127x127mm
C07
£4.99
198x102mm
C13
£4.75
140x140mm
C09
£4.75
140x140mm
C10
£5.99
210x124mm
C11
£4.75
140x140mm
C12
£4.75
137x137mm
C16
£4.99
198x102mm
C14
£4.75
153x108mm
C15
£3.60
127x127mm
Please note the diary and calendars will be available from October and will be sent separately from the rest of your order.
Gifts
S05
£11.99
S01
£9.99
1000 piece jigsaw
S02
£4.99
Happy Endings
Calendar
Traditional Advent
Calendar
S03
S04
£5.99
£5.99
Diary
Slim calendar
S08
£0.50
S06
Fridge
magnet
£7.99
100 piece jigsaw
B01
£7.99
S09
S10
£3.50
£1.50
Bookmark
A Home of Their Own
The story of the Home
from its beginnings in
1860 to the present day.
Now in paperback.
S11
Pin badge
Ceramic mug
£1.00
400ml
Trolley
key ring
Soft toys
Jazz the Black
& White Cat
S13
£5.00
each
Oscar the
Ginger Cat
Rocky the
Rottweiler
T01
S12
£1.50
Travel mug
Max the Labrador
Retriever
Huey the
Husky
T05
T07
T06
T02
Dogs
£14.99
Cats
£9.99
each
each
21cm
30cm
T09
T08
T03
T10
T04
Cosmo the
Tortoiseshell Cat
Angel the
White Cat
Cherry the
Fox Terrier
Daisy the
Border Collie
Bo the
Boxer
Books
Age 5+
£4.99
each
Battersea stories
A selection of entertaining and
educational tales based on true
life stories from our Home.
B03
B04
B05
B06
B07
B09
B10
B11
B13
B14
B15
B21
B22
B23
B25
Seasonal offer:
5 children’s books for £20
Gifts for dogs and cats
Dog treat
advent calendar
Battersea Dog Toys
Battersea’s very own toy range, tested by our
dogs for your dog.
Noodle
Duck
Desmond
Donkey
G01
£3.50
G02
£3.99
T01
28cm
G07
Cat treat
advent calendar
T02
£6.99
T03
£5.99
£3.99
£5.99
Monty
Mouse
39cm
Super Squeaky
Hide & Fetch
Super Squeaker
Six squeaker toy
Reward bone
Balls
G06
£3.99
85cm
G05
£3.50
G03
£2.99
18cm
Snowman
Rope Tug
G08
£3.50
G04
£4.99
29cm
Winter
Snowman
Cat Teaser
Four
Christmas
Cat Balls
T04
T05
£8.99
Super Foam Flyer
Outdoor active toy
T06
£7.99
£6.99
Tumball
Super Flinger
Random bounce balls,
fit in standard ball
launcher
Retrieve toy
Wrapping paper
Gifts for Battersea
dogs and cats
Wrapping paper and tags
Show your support for the dogs
and cats in our care over the
festive period by buying a gift for
them this Christmas.*
6 sheets of wrapping paper with
matching tags. 500x700mm.
Dog ‘special meal’
Cat ‘special meal’
Dog toy
Cat toy
Dog blanket
Cat blanket
W03
£3.99
6 sheets
W01
£3.99
6 sheets
N02
N03
N04
N05
N06
WHY NOT BUY
A GIFT FOR A
DOG OR CAT IN
OUR CARE?
W02
6 sheets
Thank you for supporting
Battersea Dogs & Cats Home
N01
*The actual product given to a dog or cat will be
at the discretion of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.
Delivery charges do not apply for these items.
£3.99
Order form
£5.00
£5.00
£3.00
£3.00
£9.99
£9.99
Code (add colour if req’d) Price
Quantity
Total cost
EXAMPLE GO7 5.99
2
11.98
Order online at battersea.org.uk
or alternatively please complete this form and together
with a cheque or your card details return to:
Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, Christmas Retail,
4 Battersea Park Road, London SW8 4AA
Postage and packaging is charged at £3.00 for each order unless stated.
All orders are delivered by Royal Mail 2ndClass. We will try to send all
orders out within one week but please allow 28 days for delivery. Please
note that Royal Mail 2nd Class last mailing date for Christmas 2013 is
16th December. Orders received after this date may not be received
before 25th December. For deliveries outside the UK please email
[email protected] or call us on 020 7627 9228.
Data protection:
We like to keep supporters in touch with our work. If you do not wish to
receive further communications from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, please
write to Supporter Services, 4 Battersea Park Road, London, SW8 4AA,
email us at [email protected] or call us on 0870 890 0000.
n Please tick this box if you do want other offers or information from
our carefully selected partners. Please refer to www.battersea.org.uk
for our full statement on the use of your data.
** By providing your email address you are agreeing to receive updates about
Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, and those of our carefully selected partners,
from time to time. You can unsubscribe at any time.
A postage and packing charge of £3.00 will be applied to every order:
+ £3.00
Donation*
Total
If you would like your donations to
inclue Gift Aid, please tick the box and
sign below left.
Name
* Gift Aid makes your gift go further!
You can make your donation worth a quarter more, just by ticking the box
below. So for every £1 you give, we receive an extra 25p from HMRC at
no extra cost to you, provided you are a UK taxpayer.
n I am a UK taxpayer and I wish all donations that I make today and in the
future and have made in the last four tax years from the date of this declaration
to be treated as Gift Aid donations until I notify you otherwise.***
*** You must pay an amount of Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax in each tax
year (6 April to 5 April) that is at least equal to the amount of tax all the charities
you donate to will reclaim on your gifts for that tax year (currently 25p for every
£1 you donate). Please note that other taxes such as VAT and Council Tax do
not qualify.
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Please make cheques payable to Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.
Or debit my:
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Registered Charity Number 206394
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