Volunteer diary from the Mayhew Animal Home

When the Mayhew sisters first set up their animal home for “the lost and starving dogs and cats of London” in 1896, they could not have known how far it would come by the 21st century.

Having volunteered at other animal homes and rescue centres in and around London, the Mayhew in Kensal Green stood out for me in terms of excellent facilities and professional care. All the permanent staff and volunteers are dedicated to ensuring the dogs, cats and rabbits (and when necessary, a variety of other animals) enjoy the best possible stay. From the well-kept garden of the feral cats to the immaculate runs of ‘Rabbit Towers’, the centre is run smoothly and efficiently by a hands-on team, completely committed to the cause. On arrival at the centre for a three day stint as a volunteer, I was impressed by the high standards and fell in love with the animals.

Day: 1 – Thursday 21st August 2008

On the first day, after a health and safety briefing, I was introduced to the team on kennels. With room to accommodate about 20 dogs at any one time, the kennels resemble a canine hotel chain in terms of stress-free comfort, with all the trimmings. Calming orchestral music is piped down through speakers to relax the dogs, as many have come from difficult and sometimes abusive backgrounds. Each room offers the pampered pooches a big basket, blankets, toys and even a television, to ensure the set-up is as close to what the dog will come to know when rehomed with responsible and caring owners in the future.

The kennels are kept scrupulously clean, so while trying not to get distracted by the gorgeous Staffordshire terrier puppies, I got down to helping out with the hosing down, scrubbing and drying. As well as the daily kennel cleaning, staff and/or volunteers walk each dog four times a day. Depending on the animal’s age and experience, they are walked either in the garden, in the immediate vicinity of the home or driven further afield for a longer walk. I was lucky to walk all different types of puppies and dogs in the garden and around the block. Without exception, they were a delight, and I felt so proud walking them, pretending they were mine and wishing I could take them all home.

Feeding time proved a big hit with all the dogs, but trying to ensure the puppies stuck to their own bowls and did not eat each other’s grub was a task in itself! In the afternoon, there is also time for socialising with the animals. This is as important for the dogs as it is enjoyable for the helpers! By cuddling, playing and just being around the dogs, they experience regular interaction with people and are kept stimulated. I must admit it was a labour of love.

With the last of the walks done and dusted, it was time to go home with a happy heart. Every evening, the night staff take over, on hand to look after the animals throughout the night.

Day: 2 – Friday 22nd August 2008

The next day it was all change as I helped out with the Mayhew cats. The home is currently at bursting point with almost 200 cats (a purry, furry mix of kittens, domestic and feral), so there is no room for any more for the time being. This meant there was a huge amount of cleaning to be done. After a thorough briefing by one of the helpful members of cat care staff, it was time to get down to business. Each of the domesticated cats is housed in a spacious area with a top shelf for their baskets and toys, and a ground floor space for their food, water and litter trays. It was lovely reading about each cat before going inside and meeting them. While giving each cat’s area a morning clean, the occupants rubbed against me purring, and it was very motivating to do a good job for them. I can safely say I don’t clean my own home anywhere near as well as that!

I got quickly and completely attached to two cats in particular. One was a black and white cat called Linford, a real poster boy with the longest whiskers I’ve ever seen. He was very distracting, even posing for photographs for me, and I found it hard to leave him. Then, a few marvellous mogs later, I met Kojak, a big, cuddly tabby with brilliant green eyes. I sat down and tapped my lap, only to have the feline fuzzball land promptly on it and settle down for some serious adoration, which he welcomed in true Garfield-style. Both of these beautiful boys have since been rehomed to very lucky people.

The sheer number of cats meant cleaning took most of the morning. In the afternoon, I helped to wash out the litter trays in the garden and get them ready for the next morning. Latex gloves ahoy! All the while, the feral cats watched from a safe distance in and around their luxurious outdoor homes.

The last task of the day, and it was far from a chore, was to go in the kitten block and assist with the socialising. Four kittens were placed in a separate games room full of treats and toys, and I was left for an hour to play with them. I had kittens on my head, in my hair, climbing up my legs and chasing toys. At one point, they all appeared hypnotised while watching a plastic fish on a rod flick past them. Then, the spell was broken as they leapt up and over each other to be first to the catch of the day. By contrast, the next cat to join me in the play area was a very timid cat called Mushi Mushi. Her mother had rejected her and she had had a tough time ever since. It was difficult to get her to come close, but rewarding when she responded to the famous fishing rod and overcame her shyness to play for a while.

Day: 3 – Thursday 28th August 2008

On my third and final day at the Mayhew (for now!), I sneaked back to cat central under the guise of helping with the cleaning. I ended up spending far too long with the gorgeous Kojak, before his new owner came to pick him up and I turned frog green with envy.

Next, I had the opportunity to experience the events, fundraising and community service side of the Mayhew. Based in a nearby office, the events organiser explained the different dates in the calendar year, all set up to raise funds and awareness of the centre. It costs £2,000 a day to keep the Mayhew up and running, so these organised events are crucial. The events are arranged for a number of reasons, including staff and volunteers giving out information raising awareness of the work of the Mayhew, offering advice on caring for animals, providing neutering vouchers to try to reduce the number of unwanted litters and collecting donations to help fund the centre. From local supermarkets to stalls at Earl’s Court animal exhibitions and the annual Christmas night, attended by celebrity supporters of the Mayhew, small-scale and large-scale events take place at a range of locations throughout the year.

I learned how the Mayhew also makes a point of sharing the animals with the wider community. Staff regularly take a different dog, cat or rabbit to local hospitals or rest and retirement homes so that sick and/or elderly people can benefit from the animal interaction. It was amazing to hear the range of events and activities that the Mayhew is involved in, and I know of many friends and colleagues who would be happy to help out, too, if only they knew about the animal home.

In the afternoon, I was busy helping out on reception. There were people coming in with their pets for vaccinations, while others were filling in forms with a view to taking on a Mayhew animal. The telephones were ringing almost constantly and the calls I took ranged from lost pets and found strays to queries about vaccinations, rehoming, animal welfare and breeds currently available at the centre. It was interesting to find out firsthand what the Mayhew has to deal with on a daily basis.

As the staff and volunteers whizzed through reception walking dogs, carrying pets to the vet for vaccinations, collecting deliveries of animal food and showing members of the public around, I couldn’t help thinking that somewhere, the Mayhew sisters must be looking down on the home and smiling at the legacy they’ve left behind.

Not all of us who love dogs can commit to taking on a dog full time, so the next best thing is to support dogs and give help to local shelters. Jerry Green Dog Rescue in Blidworth, Nottinghamshire encourage people to visit and walk their dogs, this is a daily event and open to the public between 1pm and 3pm and both rewarding for the dogs and the walker.

Situated next door to Boundary Woods it’s an ideal place to let the dogs stretch their legs and get out and about. What amazed me when I first started walking dogs is how very different they are by nature and character, just like us they are individuals in their own right. Benji the first dog I walked is a male staffie and does not like being with other dogs so it was great for us two to go out walking alone. Although not ideal for me and my husband to adopt ourselves my husband has joined me walking Benji on a separate occasion, the difference in Benji was unbelievable.

Benji constantly kept looking up at my husband, I wondered was Benji looking to him for instruction, reassurance, affection or just that he totally respected the male hand that was leading him? Benji has not found a home yet and it does make me sad as I feel he would make a fantastic friend for anyone who just wanted the one dog.

left: Jo and Benji in Boundary Woods Right: Ali and Benji

I’ve walked a variety of dogs however most seem to be Staffordshire Bull Terriers and almost certainly a breed that are highly misunderstood. This bread I know from experience are not dangerous, knowing people who have had Staffies they have all told me they make fantastic pets and I have certainly found all the Staffies I’ve walked to be very loving and rewarding.

Although, I’ll never forget my experience with Mitch the staffie. Once out walking, Mitch got too hot and too tired in the heat, he lay on the floor and that was it we where going no further. So we crawled under a tree and sheltered in the shade whilst my mum fetched help. I stopped a passer by and requested water to cool him down and kept him calm. In the end we carried Mitch in our arms, back to the van and staff got him back safe where he cooled off in water.

It still makes me smile now, the picture in my head of Mitch having a pick me up just like a child, luckily Mitch got re-homed to a family of Staffie lovers.

Attending the Jerry Green Dog Rescue annual dog fair on Sunday 31 August I saw first hand just how many people enjoy owning a dog, all breads, all sizes and all different and a sign that families do love owning dogs. The very sad thing about that day was to see some longer term residents still in the shelter; some looking defeated, I wonder is there anyone out there who can love these animals? Nearly bringing me to tears my mum and I stood looking over Suzie and Charlie the 2 sisters we have walked in the past, both fantastic on the lead, quiet, not boisterous just loving and calm.

The announcement on the kennel gate, not up for adoption, looking for a foster home these sisters are terminally ill with cancer! As one lay on the floor, not looking up, not acknowledging our presence, her sister stood over her with her tail between her legs looking so awfully sad. A real shock to the system and a firm message that these dogs are very much like us, they have feelings and they get ill and like us we want comfort and love when ill. Unfortunately for Suzie and Charlie they had been re-homed and returned to the shelter.

After such upheaval Jerry Green Dog Rescue have decided to keep the sisters themselves and give them the love they deserve. But anyone wishing to sponsor Suzie and Charlie to help with ongoing treatment or to provide home comforts can by contacting Lana at Jerry Green Dog Rescue.

These dogs and others across the UK desperately need new homes, so ask yourself some questions; if you are considering having a dog, can you give a dog a home for life? If so why not take a trip to your local rescue and see just how many lovely dogs are available that desperately need loving homes. Would be owners and rescuers must be realistic taking on a dog is a big commitment so ensure you are 100% certain before you agree to adopt.

The worst thing you could do is take a dog back a month later, these animals very much have feelings and it is obvious to anyone looking that some are scared and upset at being placed in a shelter by owners who they thought loved them. The Jerry Green Dog Rescue undertake a fantastic job looking after all these dogs and I’d like to tell you some stories on behalf of the long term residents and the newcomers.

Benji loyal Staffie aged 7 years, a long term resident at the Shelter Benji is the first dog I took out for a walk, he loves attention, well behaved, however does not like to mix with other dogs but good with older children. Lana tells me he goes mad over getting a clean new blanket for his bed.

Whinnie the very shy Bullmastiff, aged 9 years. A large but beautiful dog who needs to build trust with someone, she has a slight bladder weakness, but she is adorable in every way. Whinnie is most comfortable and settled at the shelter so a soft and gentle approach will be needed for re-homing. Every time I visit I try and try to coax her to the gate but she wont come, she is a shy girl.

Ben a Rhodesian Ridgback cross aged 2½ years. A long term resident Ben is often overlooked but he is a lovely dog who is house trained but needs a little simple training and dedication, reflective of Bens age, still young but very adaptable if given the chance.

Newcomers

Tilly the little female Staffie aged 5 years a recent new comer and a very friendly dog, an ideal family dog.

Phoebe the Dobermann aged 7 years, very gentle and laid back, protective of the family but not nasty.

Puddles a Bull Terrier cross just 2 years old a little boisterous boy, but easily trained.

How can you help?

* Adopt or Foster a dog
* Donate food and blankets
* Sponsor a Kennel
* Walk the dogs
* Take part in fund raising events
* Become a life long member for £75

We have to remember these are Man’s best friend and they remain loyal until the very end. If you can help, please contact the Shelter or email them, but please no time wasters.

Jerry Green Dog Rescue

Warsop Lane
Blidworth
Mansfield
NG21 0PG

Tel: 01623 792886

Email: notts@jerrygreendogs.co.uk

Written by Jo Bekis of Mansfield, dog walker, animal lover and publisher of SociaBubble.com a social networking site for parents. In support of Dog Rescue Centres around the UK and www.dogsblog.com

Download the PR toolkit here. (zip file 3mb)

It’s free, has been professionally prepared and should help to ensure your rescue makes the most of the opportunites presented by National Dog Adoption Month.

During this month we will be running a series of events and promotions all aimed to raise the profile and enhance the appeal of adopting a dog.

You can help too!

If you would like to run your very own National Dog Adoption Month event, we want to hear from you.

In association with D.A.P (dog appeasing pheromone) National Dog Adoption Month will help you to put on your very own event. We will show you how to attract interest in your event, how to get press attention and how to achieve the goals we have set to help raise awareness for rescue dogs throughout the country.

Your event can be large or small but it should out to do the following:

1) Promote the concept of adopting a dog from a UK rescue

2) Promote the responsibility of dog ownership

3) Raise awareness about the benefits of adopting a rescue dog

We will provide you with your own posters and National Dog Adoption Month Event Toolkit so you have all the information you need to host a great even and help raise awareness of dog adoption.

Please contact us on 08700 114 115 or email events@dogadoptionmonth.co.uk