Apart from being Animal Krackers' fantastic secretary, this year Joanna has been fostering and re-homing lots of kittens for us. And rabbits. And guinea pigs.
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There’s no room at the Inn!!
2014 has been a massive eye opener for me about working in
animal rescue. Volunteers at Animal
Krackers don’t stroll about stroking the occasional purring cat and taking a
dog for a walk in the sunshine; they work really hard, like 'slog your guts out
until midnight' hard. And it’s not all about those who help with the animals,
there are lots of people behind the scenes tirelessly raising money so Animal
Krackers can continue its work.
I’ve been seriously involved with the charity for over a
year and not only does it take over your life, it takes over your house! This
Christmas I will have 12 kittens (7 of which are semi-feral), 5 cats, 12
rabbits and 2 guinea pigs in residence.
I thought I’d just pay tribute to some of the special little
lives that have come through our doors this year.
Winnie who was handed in at Animal Krackers shop and was one
of the most loving rabbits I’ve ever known. This is her licking the bars of her
cage (one of her favourite past-times!)
Scrappy, the kitten who was motherless and had such severe
neurological damage that he had to be put to sleep. A thousand tears were cried
for this little one!
Evelyn, a giant bunny, who had been used as a breeding doe
her whole life and had never known anything else other than her small hutch.
She is now living free in Andrea’s garden.
Grace, a beautiful cat, who was living in a wendy house with
her 3 kittens at a women’s refuge after her owner had run from a situation of horrific
domestic abuse. Grace has found a wonderful home where she is treated like a queen.
Rita, one of 4 giant bunnies, rescued from a terrible
situation in Gateshead. Pledges of help from rabbit lovers came from all over
the UK for this poor bunny family. Rita is now living in luxury near Ferry Farm
in South Hylton.
Lily, who with her two brothers was rehomed to a happy home
in Essex (after being driven the hundreds of miles by an AK volunteer, of
course!)
Nigel and Boris, who were terrified when
they arrived and, after having Laura, a dedicated fosterer, working with
them every day, have now found a forever home where they are enjoying
lots of attention.
5 sweet kittens whose mother, Dorothy, died of lymphoma
while they were still tiny. They have all found loving homes and the black one
Dot, is the image of her mother. Although we couldn't save Dorothy she lives on
through her little daughter.
Simon, the rabbit who thinks he’s a cat. This bunny sleeps,
plays and chases his fosterer’s kittens everywhere. We’re still waiting for him
to purr!
Annabel, who is currently at Ferry Farm waiting for a new
owner. She can’t stand other cats but was one of the sweetest, most protective
mothers we’ve ever seen.
And finally 3 of my own, all adopted from Animal Krackers
and adored beyond all things!!
