Cuddle time!

Feel a bit like Dr Dolittle! Best time of day is cuddle time with my two fluffy teddy bears. Awww :)

Re-homing an animal in need was the best thing I have ever done. 

I've been searching for animal shelters I can volunteer in, because I need to do something, anything I can, to help. Just been on http://www.rspca-northeast.org/ and within minutes I find myself sobbing at a picture of a German Shepherd who has been axed in the head. I just really can't understand how people can do this? I can barely take my dogs to the vets for their injections because I feel cruel! 

I don't want to sound self-righteous but I would do anything to help these animals, which is why I am applying to be a volunteer, I already donate monthly and I plan this week to ask everyone I know to collect old towels, blankets and even buy the odd tin of dog/cat food at the supermarket and I will personally drive up and donate it to the local shelters. 

While Ollie didn't come from an abused home, he was unwanted and left alone for a large proportion of the day, I look at him everyday now and feel so happy because I know his life is 100x better with us. He is adored, taken on walks every day, fed well, and has little Miffy as a companion. 

The same goes for Miffy. She was in a horrible state when we went to buy her. Her lovely curls looked more like dreadlocks, all knotted and dirty. She did not know how to climb the stairs, was absolutely terrified of going for a walk and was not even remotely house trained, despite living with her old owner for almost a year. I can let that anger go now because I know that Miffy has found the perfect life with us. She is adored by us, groomed, well fed, exercised and trained properly. She is happy and feels safe and I could not have had a more wonderful time than I have spent with her these past five years. 

I understand people have fears about bringing a 'damaged' animal into their home, about the costs of having a dog/cat - the vets fees, their food, bedding. I won't lie and say that it is easy. It requires unlimited love and patience while the animal slowly starts to relax in their new surroundings, while some, like my little guinea pigs for example, never will. Two years on they are both still timid and won't come out of their little house unless you leave a present of cucumber or lettuce for them! BUT when they make even the slightest improvement - whether Rocky decides to stay outside of his little igloo house to eat, or Scrappy walks over to you when he's playing out, you know that they're beginning to feel more comfortable and are slowly forgetting the past. 

 'Mam.... can I take him home!'

Today my friend Gemma and I went to Whitehouse Farm, based in Morpeth which is only a short drive away. As you can imagine I had the best day ever, and getting to cuddle the animals was a dream come true! We made friends with a cat who kept following us, two meerkats thought Gemma was their new best mate and I got pretty attached to this beautiful little rabbit. 

I thoroughly recommend you pay a visit animal lovers! Luckily we had a bit of sunshine today so  that made the day even better. It's an inexpensive way to have a great day out, and animal lovers like me will love it! 

....I just need to work out how I can take them all home with me! 

http://whitehousefarmcentre.co.uk/

Poorly Miffy 

Just been to the wonderful PDSA Animal Hospital in Newcastle to get the diagnosis of Miffy's cramped up paw. She has snapped her cruciate ligament, an injury I didn't realise was very common in dogs. All she was doing was running to fetch a ball with Ollie and started squealing. Her leg cramped up and she became lame.


I absolutely cannot praise the PDSA Animal hospital enough, the resident vets and nurses we saw were so patient and understanding (obviously I was near-hysterical with worry....) The hospital only admits animals with a certain income criteria, which is so so helpful for people like us! We have these wonderful pets, but cannot afford to pay high vets fees.


I'm drawing attention to this service for those who have an animal in need and like us, could not afford to take Miffy to the vets to be put under anesthetic for an x-ray. Not wanting Miffy to suffer we contacted the PDSA and got an appointment the next day. Once you provide the relevant documentation, and get approved, they will do everything in their power to care for your beloved pet.


All they ask is for you to make a donation, which is absolutely no problem. I only hope that people do not abuse this service and give very small donations when they can afford a few extra pounds. I know every little helps, but I could not bear to think of how many animals would suffer if the hospital did not receive enough, given that it has NO government funding. :( 


So anyways, Miffy has been told to get lots of rest, she is not allowed to for walks, which is sad having to only take one fluffy white dog out - people keep asking 'where the other one' is! We've bought a baby gate (only £15 from Wilkinsons!) and blocked off the stairs, she has to be carried up them so as to not cause any further pain. I syringe Loxicom painkiller into a small treat for her every morning. Thankfully as she is only a small dog she is unlikely to need surgery, so keep your fingers crossed everyone!


Does anybody know any other treatments or ideas I could use to help Miffy?




Here is a link which tells you more about the PDSA PetAid Hospital, explaining more about the wonderful work they do, I am so, so grateful for them helping my little princess!

http://www.catsup.co.uk/hospital.htm