Handsome Harris!

Hi there, my name is Harris!

I came into the RSPCA from a difficult background and because of that I can get quite nervous in new situations. The staff at the Derby RSPCA decided to send me to live in a foster home for a while, which has really helped me.

They found out that I wasn't house trained (I didn't want to mention it because it was a bit embarassing!) but my foster mum has taught me that now so I now know to only go to the toilet outside! I'm very good.

I'm getting better at lots of other things now too. At first I was really scared of that noisy box that they call a television, but now I don't mind sitting in the same room as it and it doesn't bother me. The ironing board was hard to cope with too, but mum taught me that there was nothing to be scared of. I've been such a brave boy!

I do still get a bit scared of new men to be honest. I try not to but I did have a bad time growing up and, though my foster dad is always so nice to me, I still find it a little difficult to trust him. My new parents will need to understand this and will need to give me some time, patience and love to get me used to it.

One very important thing about me - I LOVE other dogs. I have two foster brothers, a spaniel and a german shepherd, and they have really helped me along with my confidence. I really would prefer to be rehomed with another dog if possible. I can't go home with small furry animals or cats though I'd afraid!

I may seem a little shy and reserved when you first meet me but I like nothing more than sprinting around!

I know that I take a little bit of nurturing, but I promise you that I'm so worth it. I have so much love to give and my foster mum says that after having obviously had such a tough time in the past, I deserve all the love I can get in the future.

Please, consider adding me to your family! If you would like to meet me, just call the Centre on 01332 344620 and they can arrange it.

Lots of love,

Harris xxx

Some call me Aardvark...

I've had various names since I've been here at Derby RSPCA. My actual name is Jake, but some call me Aardvark and some call me fruit bat. Apparently, this is to do with my (regal-looking, I think) nose. The staff are always telling me how fabulous and unusual I look - it really does just add to my charm. Why have a regular dog when you can have me?! Look, here I am - aren't I cute?

You can just see a few patches of fur missing on my back in that picture. Basically, where I was living before I wasn't properly treated for fleas and I developed a bit of a nasty flea allergy which resulted in me losing fur on the bottom of my back. It was quite uncomfortable and I wasn't very happy at all. Luckily I was brought to this place, where they treated me for fleas and now my fur is starting to grow back. It's a bit of a slow process, so bear with me! 

Just to add to this...I have a protruding upper jaw which means my top teeth come further over my bottom teeth - it means you have to offer me treats on the palm of your hand so I don't accidentally bang your fingers with my teeth! You can see it a little on this picture:

It doesn't affect me at all and is just another of the things that make me unique. 

Aside from these unusual things, there are so many wonderful, ordinary things about me! I love people, especially when they're taking me on walks. I get really excited and wag my tail a lot! I'm not too bothered about toys at the moment, I'd much rather have cuddles. When I get to know you, if you open your arms I like to come in for a cuddle. 

I also get along with most dogs I meet. I'm just not all that bothered by them to be honest, and I've lived with them before so it's just normal for me. Cats aren't a big deal for me either usually - actually, I'm more scared of them than anything. If I did live with cats, I'd like to live with some friendly ones who were nice to me!

All in all, (I don't want to sound like I'm blowing my own trumpet here...okay, actually I do!) I'm the perfect dog for most homes! I'm gentle, friendly, loveable and let's face it, a bit of a looker! My two friends who I arrived with have both gone to their new homes and they're enjoying their twilight years in style. Won't you think about taking me home?

Lots of love and extra-adorable cuddles,

Jake xxx

Gorgeous Golden Oldies

Hi everyone,

At the moment we've got quite a few slightly 'mature' dogs at our Centre. They have so much love and energy still to give! They're just waiting for the right person to come and give them a second chance at a loving home. 

Below, they tell their stories:

Tug

Hello! My name is Tug! I'm between 10-13 years old but you'd never believe it. I may be slightly grey around the muzzle but I can give much younger dogs the run around and I'm bursting with energy. I'm a bit picky with other dogs to be honest, I haven't really found any here that I like! 

I'd be happy to live with children, probably slightly older children, just so I don't accidentally knock them over. I'd be very well suited to live in a family though. I enjoy my walks so I'll need somebody who can spend plenty of time going for walks with me (I'm not one of these older dogs who likes to sleep a lot ;-)).

Please come and see me - I'll be your best friend! 

Max

My name is Max and I'm a lurcher. I came in because my owner hadn't been looking after me properly but I'll soon be back to normal! The staff think I am around 12 years old (perhaps even slightly younger or slightly older) but I'm in very good nick apparently. 

I love people - I'd spend all day with them if I could. My favourite thing to do is lean up against people for fuss until they put their arms around me. I've lived with dogs in the past so, as long as your dog and me got along well, I could possibly live with a dog in the future. 

I really don't like being left so I would rather not go to a home where I'm going to be left for long periods of time. If you're at home most of the time and happy to take me out and about with you, you're the one for me.

The staff have been telling me how much they love me and how they'd all take me home if they could. Could one of you take me?

Sasha

Do you want a dog who just loves people? I could be the one for you! I don't like other animals at all I'm afraid so I can't go to a home with other animals, but if you're looking for a retirement buddy, look no further. I love roly poly tummy tickles (see below!) so if you can give me lots of those, I'd really like that thanks.

Cleo

Hi everyone, my name is Cleo. Before I came to Derby I lived at Chesterfield RSPCA, and another Branch before that too. Basically, I've spent a long time in kennels :( I know I might not seem as attractive as some of the younger models in here, but I've got so many positives. I'm a lot more chilled out and gentle than the younger dogs in here. I like life at my own pace, so would be perfect for somebody with lots of time to spend socialising with me and taking me on slow(ish!) walks. 

I would be fine as a family dog, as long as children were gentle with me because I'm a little too old (I'm about 8 if I remember correctly!) to be bounding around.

The kennels really aren't the best environment for a refined lady such as myself. Please come and see me today!

Why not come down to the Centre and meet our golden oldies? Although it's very tempting to go for a younger dog - I can completely understand, you get longer with them - older dogs have so much to offer too. They are more settled, more sure of themselves generally and can make great pets for first time owners who are unsure of training needs of puppies and young dogs. 

Above all else, older dogs really deserve their second chance at life. 

2013 Success Stories

Hi Everybody,

My name is Cheyanne and I'm here to tell you about some of the great animals who have lived in the Animal Centre and gone on to new homes in 2013 (then I will shamelessly advertise myself, as I really really REALLY want a home of my own too!).

Star

Star lived at the Centre before I came. She was brought in when her owner could no longer care for her and, like me, she was at the Centre for a long time. Again, like me, she just didn't seem to appeal to members of the public. All the staff say how lovely she was (I'm sure I would have liked her, I do like so many dogs!). Just when everybody was wondering when she would find a home of her own, the most amazing thing happened. The perfect family walked through the door. They understood Star absolutely and they were so well suited. She liked them straight away and now, months later, she couldn't be doing better. Her new owners love her to bits and rave about her whenever they speak to the staff. Apparently she isn't even nervous around new people now! She really is a lucky dog. Here's a picture of her happy in her new home:

Captain

Not too long ago there was a cat at the Centre that wasn't having any luck...for a reason too - he had a serious attitude problem! Captain was (apparently) a very handsome cat, so lots of people asked about him, but he was so mischievous and naughty that he liked to play with their fingers rather than his toys! We were unsure who would want to take on such a challenge when one of our staff members stepped in. For some reason she really liked his attitude! She took him home and told me that although she has lots more scratches on her now, she loves him to bits.

Captain when he was at the Centre

Steve

Steve was at the Centre for a long time - four months! I sure hope I'm not here that long! The staff were telling me that he was abandoned and was so very sad about it. He got along really well with the dog walkers and was very well behaved, but when he was in his kennel he just barked and barked, which put people off. I can sympathise with him, sometimes I want to bark and howl a lot in my kennel too!

A lovely lady from somewhere in the North saw Steve on our Facebook page and travelled the distance down to the Centre to meet him. She had a home visit before she came and, as it was love at first sight, she decided to adopt him then and there! It's the perfect home for Steve because his lovely adopter spends lots of time with him and he has made friends with her horses as well. He is so much happier. I'm very pleased for him.

Steve looking really chilled out in the sun

Baby Orange (Basil)

Baby Orange was a beautiful parakeet brought into the Centre. I don't know what I think about birds really! They looks like good fun though. The staff didn't think he'd hang around for too long - and they weren't wrong! A pair of fosterers (we have some lovely people who look after us animals in their own homes sometimes) were looking around the Centre when they spotted him. They were in the process of building an aviary in the garden and thought he would be just perfect. As soon as the aviary was built, they came to collect him! The staff told me that there was a bit of a fly in the ointment though...they realised when they got him home that he was so friendly and sociable that he would probably greet anything that came to the aviary - even a cat! On to plan B...Basil, as they named him, has the run of the house when they are in and gets to snooze away in a big parrot cage at night. He really is living the life.

Lucy (Ruby)

Earlier this year a very poorly little kitten was brought to the Centre. The staff called her Lucy. She had very bad cat flu (who knew cats could get colds?!) so she stayed with a fosterer who didn't have any other cats. She lived with them for quite a few months as it took her a long time to get over her flu. The staff didn't really want her to move back into the Centre because she may have been susceptible to becoming poorly again, so they began to advertise her, to try to rehome her from her foster home. 

She was placed on the National RSPCA website (I'm on there too you know!) and somebody called all the way from Gloucester! They came to meet her and decided she was the one for them. They sent the staff a lovely email telling everybody how she'd settled in. Apparently at first she was very scared and wasn't very nice to her new cat best friend, although the cat was always very patient with her. Eventually she settled in very well and now loves her friend and her new mum and dad. It can be quite stressful for us animals when we move home, but we always get there in the end!

Lucy, happy in her new home

Bruno

I was very confused when the staff asked me to tell Bruno's story because we have SO MANY BRUNO DOGS! It must be a very popular name for male dogs. At the moment we have a staffy called Bruno in (he's quite nice too), a Rottweiler called Bruno has just been adopted and then there's THIS Bruno! So you can understand my confusion, but now I understand which one they mean.

This Bruno was here well before my time, earlier in 2013. His dad couldn't look after him anymore and he was very sad about it, but he brought him to the best place he could under the circumstances. The staff were worried that it might take Bruno a long time to find a home because he was a very big dog (bigger than me, even!). Luckily for Bruno, his perfect match walked through the door not long after he arrived. This family was absolutely perfect for him. His new mum was very good at training (and apparently Bruno needed a lot of that) and they had a dog who he got along well with. After a little settling in time, Bruno is now doing very well and they are so happy with him.

Huge Bruno in his new home!

Star (cat!!)

Star must be another popular name. Unlike Cheyanne, which is very unusual and unique (hint, hint!!). Star the cat was another animal who spent a long time at the Centre. She was quite old and had no teeth left! The staff said this just added to her charm because it meant she dribbled when she was being fussed. Even though she was without doubt the most affectionate cat in the Centre and loved everybody she met, she had little to no interest. She went to a foster home for a little while to give her a break from the Centre. When she came back, an old volunteer heard about her via Facebook. She took one look at her and knew she had to have her! She now lives with her canine pals and is very loved and happy.

Leo

Leo came to Derby after he was struggling to find a home at a different RSPCA Centre. He had a truly tough time before the RSPCA rescued him and was lucky to survive. He was still only young, like me. Despite all that, like me, he was full of joy and really loved people! Luckily after he had only been here for a short time he was snapped up and now enjoys life to the full with owners who truly appreciate him - even if he has chewed their curtains. His tail still never stops wagging!

These are just a few of the amazing success stories from 2013. Please help to make more for 2014 by coming to adopt an animal from here - preferably ME!

I may take a bit of work (I am a husky cross after all!) but I'm good on walks and I really really love people. If you're around for a lot of the day (I don't like being on my own) and have had big dogs before then please come and talk to the staff about me. I'd love to meet you :)

Lots of love,

Cheyanne xxxx

Terrific Torties

Hi guys!

Our names are Jen and Joey. We were found in a box when we were only around 3 weeks old with our brother Dawson. It was very scary being in the box without our mum and we didn't know what was happening.

We weren't very well at all because we hadn't been very well looked after but luckily a nice person took us into the RSPCA. They spent lots of time hand-rearing us and giving us lots of attention and food. After a few weeks we got better and were then ready to go to a new home!

We're still a little on the small side for our age but we're growing quickly! Dawson was the lucky one and he was rehomed recently. We're still waiting for our happy ending. We would really like to be rehomed together as we do love each other (and it's great fun to have play fights!).

Can you take us home with you?

Friends Furrrrever

Hi everyone,

My name is Pikachu (don't blame me, the staff thought I looked like a Pikachu!) and I live with my two friends, Jigglypuff and Squirtle.

 Here is Jigglypuff:

And this is Squirtle:

We have spent a lot of time together and really enjoy each other's company. I would really hate to go to a new home and not be able to share it with Squirtle and Jigglypuff. I know it's a lot to ask - because there's three of us we need more space; we'll need a big hutch and run, with lots of space to hop around and play (we do love playtime!). But we're very friendly and I promise we'll give you lots of love and attention if you take us all on!

Lots of love,

Pikachu

Lonely Lucy

My name is Lucy and I live at the RSPCA Centre in Derby at the moment. As lovely as the staff are, I don't want to live here forever but it's hard to be hopeful about getting a home when nobody stops to ask about me.

Everyday people come to look at cats, but nobody seems to want to look at me. I know I'm a black and white cat, and there's quite a few of us out there, but we're all different and we all have our own personalities. 

I love spending time with people and I do enjoy a good cuddle. I have to admit, I'm not a big fan of other cats. I do get along well with some (the ones that gel well with my personality) but I'd be lying if I said I got along with every cat. Dogs are a bit scary as well when they come over and sniff you so really I'd rather not live with a dog, unless it was one of those old ones who doesn't bother about cats!

Really, all I want is a nice place to call home, lots of love and food and a nice comfy bed. Is that too much to ask? I've seen so many cats, including my sister, go to their forever homes. When will it be my turn?

Lucy xx

A is for Ace!

Hi everybody,

My name is Ace - you heard from me a few blog posts again, but Leanne has let me take the reins again because unfortunately I am still here at the Centre :( I try my best to look presentable when people come to see me but the right people still haven't come along and most people still pass me by.

I've heard some people say that it's because I'm a Staffie. Yes, I might be a bit muscly, but I'm a real gentle giant. I love people to bits! Can you look past your pre-conceived ideas about what you think a Staffie is like, and look at the kind of dog I am?

I was left tied to a park bench which was really traumatic for me but I still trust people because I know they're not all like that. The staff here aren't like that! And every day I see dogs going to loving homes with people who aren't like that. I just wish my person would come along.

I do have a bit of a fault - since I've been at the Centre I find it very hard to deal with dogs. You have to understand, it's very stressful being surrounded by barking dogs all day long (i'm quite quiet compared to them!) and so they do irritate me. If I'm trying to have a nap all I have is other dogs barking at me. It's not very nice and for that reason I find it hard to get along with dogs anymore, so I would need to be in a home without any other dogs. Also, for that reason the staff do put something they call a muzzle on me when I go for a walk. It reminds me to behave and it helps to protect me and other dogs really.

Yes, I know it can be off-putting when you know about my fault. But really, nobody is perfect are they? Everybody has something they're not overly proud of. I promise to love you forever, and be devoted to you if you do take me on. After having a bit of a bad start in my life I would love to spend the rest of my days being secure in the knowledge that I am loved, to have a lovely warm bed and lots of yummy food. Isn't that all any dog wants?

Lots of love,

Ace x

Having a bit of a scare!

Halloween is coming up and lots of people are looking forward to having a scare - either by going on a ghost walk, having a spooky party or watching a horror film. That's all good fun, but I had the wrong kind of scare a couple of weeks ago...

Hi, my name is Pearl and I came into the Centre with my daughter, Ruby. Unfortunately, how we came in was the scary part. Our owners were finding it difficult to care for us any longer and so they put us through the gap in the side of the gate at the RSPCA. We were both very scared and ran for cover. Luckily the staff caught us and calmed us down quite quickly - I dread to think what could have happened!

Me after my op!

We were given lots of yummy food and love, and we slowly started to recover from the shock. I've now had my little op to make sure I don't have more babies (one is definitely enough!) and we're ready to go up for adoption to find a new family. I really hope we never have to go through that again so if you're looking for  couple of cats who you will love forever (and who in turn will love you forever!) then please come and see us.

My beautiful daughter, Ruby

Lots of love,

Pearl and Ruby

Neutering's the Name of the Game

I know this blog is specifically for the animals to talk but sometimes I (I'm the one who helps the animals to articulate what they want to say) wrestle it off them if there's a really pressing matter I want to discuss.

This time the issue is the neutering of cats. We've spoken about it many times before but it's just so important that I really feel I need to mention it again. 

This year we have seen an increase in the number of abandoned kittens, pregnant mums and nursing mums coming into the Centre. Year on year ourselves and other rescue centres see this increase. This year we offered a deal over the summer whereby we neutered and micro-chipped cats for a highly reduced rate to try to curb the flow of cats coming into the Centre, however the flow of cats to the Centre never seems to slow.

When members of the public call us because they sadly need to part with their cats the vast majority of the time we are unable to help them simply due to the high volume of abandoned cats who are brought to us by Inspectors or left on our doorstep by members of the public. We have a finite number of spaces for cats and, being only a small Centre, this number isn't high. 

Anise was found abandoned in a box with her mother and her sister

A prime example happened on Monday of this week. Two cats were pushed through the gap at the side of our gate when we were closed in the morning. Luckily two members of the public saw what had happened and banged on the gate to alert us. The cats were too stunned to move far and we caught them easily. They are recovering well from their abandonment but this is a case that is happening all too regularly. 

The big driver of the abandonment of these cats is lack of neutering. When a cat is let out the back door or goes through the cat flap, as an owner you basically have no control over where that cat is going. Unfortunately due to the financial climate it can be quite difficult to find the money to afford one cat, let alone the 4 or 5 kittens that cat may then produce. When that happens, owners feel desperate and can resort to abandoning the cat family if they feel they have no other option. 

Please please please tackle the problem BEFORE it happens. Book in and neuter your cat. If you are struggling there are some organisations who can help with neutering costs and the cost of neutering one cat will fall far below the cost of feeding, flea treating, worming and vaccinating kittens. 

Male cat owners are NOT exempt from this. It can be easy to forget the consequences of letting neutering slip by the wayside when you own a male cat however in order to be a responsible pet owner you need to consider this. Although you may not see the after-effects, your cat may be impregnating every stray/feral female cat in the area, along with the female cats who have homes. These stray and feral females then have to give birth in somebody's shed or garden and, if the kittens are lucky enough to survive after living outside, they will either become feral cats themselves, adding to the breeding problem or, if they're lucky, they will be brought into a rescue centre. This endless cycle puts further pressure on rescue centres and on the cat population.

Another incentive for neutering male cats are the health benefits. Neutering reduces the risk of many diseases, eliminates the risk of others and also reduces the likelihood of your male cat wandering and fighting with others. 

Some people believe that neutering animals takes away their choice however it is important to remember that cats are NOT people and they don't actually have a choice. We have to make it for them. It is far more beneficial for a female cat to be neutered at 6 months old and live a long life with her owners than for the female cat to remain unneutered and have at least one litter (she could potentially have 2-3 litters) of kittens every year. Bearing in mind that a cat can have anywhere from 2-8 kittens per litter - that is a huge amount of kittens for her to carry, feed and care for.

There are so many benefits to neutering. I know, kittens are very very cute - but they grow up. And they also all need homes; there are only so many people out there with space to rehome kittens.

If you have any questions about neutering or would like to discuss it further you are welcome to contact the Centre for advice.

Captain's Farewell!

Ahoy me hearties!

My name's Captain - if you've been down to the Centre recently you will have seen me around, I've been here for quite a while. Apparently it's because I'm a bit 'moody' but I think I'm just playful really!

Quite a lot of people have looked at me and asked about me but, no matter how hard I try, I just can't be on my best behaviour when they meet me. The truth is, I'm mischievous and I'd like to think I'm full of character. Cats like me just can't be tamed!

But one person likes me just the way I am. Lauren, who works here at the Centre, spends quite a lot of time with me and we've built up a bond. She recognises that I'm not aggressive and I don't hate people - I just LOVE to play! She decided I was the cat for her and she's taking me home later this week. I can't wait to be out of my cat pod to be honest and I'm so happy I'm going home with the right person. Even her boyfriend likes me even though he's the person I *ahem* attack *ahem* the most. I can't help it, I'm just compelled! Luckily, like Lauren, he recognises that it's just the way I am and neither of them wants to change me. Wish me luck in my new home!

Also, if you've got room in your home for another animal, why not visit all my "friends" (I say friends, none of them really like me as I play a bit too rough for them all...wimps...) at the RSPCA to see if one of them is the right pet for you?

There's dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters (I never did manage to escape and capture one of those like I wanted to...) and lots more. Why not come down and have a look?

Over and out!

Captain

Marvellous Mum

Hi everybody,

My name is Mable but at the Centre I'm known as the 'Marvellous Mum' - although that name does make me blush!

I was wandering the streets lonely and unhappy when somebody took me into the vets. They found out that I had an injury and that I was pregnant - all this made me quite miserable! Luckily they fixed my wound right up and the RSPCA sent me to live with my foster mum while I waited to have my kittens.

I gave birth to four beautiful babies - three lovely tabby girls and a black and white boy. However the day after I had my babies two more turned up! It turns out that some day-old kittens had been abandoned. Now because I had just given birth the staff thought I might be able to help out two of the others.

Me shortly after giving birth to my four babies

They brought the other two to me (two black and white girls) and they just felt like mine from day one! I had enough milk to take them on and they were exactly the same age was mine, so I didn't mind at all - they became part of our little family straight away.

We're now all back at the Centre and I'm slowly saying goodbye to my family - Edna & Mildred have already gone to their new home together, Bert and Vera are staying together and so are Bettie & Winifred. It's sad to say goodbye but I know they'll all be well loved and it's time for them to grow up - which they can't do with me because I'm too soft on them and still let them feed on me! At least once they're gone I can find a new home of my own, and I can start putting on some weight once I've only got myself to feed.

I love people (and food!) so please come and see me and give me a chance. The staff say soon I'll be going to see the vet who will make it so that I can't have more kittens. Although I love my little ones I have to say I'm relieved - it's very tiring having babies and I really don't want to do it all again. I'd much rather settle down in a nice home with a cosy bed, toys, lots of food and perhaps another cat to play with?

Come down and meet me! :) xxx

Beautiful Bernadette

My name is Bernadette and I was brought into the RSPCA Centre in Derby after somebody found me abandoned in a cat carrier.

I'd been in the carrier for quite a while so I was very scared and quite uncomfortable when I arrived. I didn't know what had happened to me and was upset that my owner had left me. However all the staff and volunteers at the Centre have been very nice to me and it made me feel much more confident.

Because I'm an adult cat and not a kitten nobody has really been interested in me. There's so many kittens that I think people forget that me, and the other adult cats, are also looking for homes. It's quite disheartening as every time somebody comes I think maybe it's my turn. But it never is.

I might take a little bit of time to get used to a new home, I'm not going to lie, because these last couple of months have been very hard on me. But once I get to know you I'll be your best friend! I want to trust people, it just takes me a little bit longer than it takes the kittens.

I also have very unusual green eyes - does that count for something? :)

Please come and see me, and maybe give me some fuss?

Bernadette xxx

Our lovely boys

Rocky

Hi everybody, my name is Rocky and I am what the staff call a crossbreed! I started off my time with the RSPCA at the Leicester Centre. They were very nice to me there but I just couldn't seem to get a home so they decided to move me to the Derby Centre. I like all the people here - especially the dog walkers! But I'm still struggling to find a home. I like people a lot and would love to live with a family. I get on well with most dogs - my only downfall is that I'm not a big fan of cats I'm afraid!

My favourite things are going for walks with my best friend Chloe (she's looking for a home too!) and playing with the staff in the yard. I promise that I'll be a great companion if you take me home with you. As much as I love the people who look after me, I really am fed up of being in a kennel now and would really like to go to a new home. What do you think? Am I the dog for you?

Maxwell

Hello everybody, my name is Maxwell. I'm a bit old to be stuck in a kennel really - I'm about 10 years old (I sometimes forget a little bit in my old age!) and I would really like to be in a home with lots of treats, warm comfy beds and love. It's okay here - I get fed, my skin is looking lots better now it's been treated, my fur is growing back and I get to have cuddles in the dog yard with lots of people. But it's not the same as having a home of my own.

I know most people might just consider the younger models around me, but please think about giving me a nice home too. I've been around too long now to be bothered by things like other dogs and cats so I should fit in well in most homes! Why don't you come and meet me and see what you think?

Ace

I'm Ace and really, I match up to my name don't I? My last owner tied me up and left me so I don't really want to have to go through that again. It was quite stressful, even though the Inspector who found me was very nice to me and gave me lots of love. 

I have to be honest - I don't really like other animals. I was never taught to get along with them you see, so they just irritate me. I wouldn't like to live with any dogs or cats - but if you're looking for an only dog I'm the one for you! I'm not all that old so I have been told that I'm still a bit bouncy. Perhaps really young children wouldn't be right for me because I like them a lot but I wouldn't want to push them over when I got excited. If you've got children who are a bit older though and can take me on walks and play ball with me in the garden that would be great! 

I really am a 'people' dog. I'll greet anybody with a kiss because I really do think people are amazing. I know the last owner I put my trust in left me, but I don't think all people are like that. And I'll keep loving everybody until somebody loves me back.

Chinook

Have you had a husky before? Yes? Then why don't you come and look at me! I'm now available for adoption and just looking for the right person to take me home. The truth is, I am quite a large dog and I'm heard that us huskies can take quite a bit of training so we're best to go with somebody who has experience of all that really. 

I may be 6 but you'd never know! I love to play and my coat looks fab (if I do say so myself...). What do you reckon?

Scrappy

Hi! I'm Scrappy! The staff named me that as I've got lots and lots of energy. I need somebody who can take me on lots of walks and give me training to keep me occupied. I haven't had very much training at all in the past so I'd really like to have some in my new home please! I'm getting training at the Centre and i'm understanding more and more every day. I'm a very friendly dog though and the staff said they were surprised at how well I walked on my lead. I was very good and waited at roads when I was told to.

I like nothing more than a back rub and if you've had experience of owning strong dogs in the past I could be perfect for you :)

Can you give any of our lovely boys a home? Please pop down and meet them :)

Kittens, Kittens, Everywhere!

Hi Guys,

Firstly - I'm sorry it's been so long since one of my furry friends has posted on here! We've all been so busy playing and trying to get ourselves homes that it just slipped our minds.

Anyway, my name is Joseph and I'm 11 weeks old.

I was brought into the Centre with my best friend Jodie after we were found dumped in a hedge :( Unfortunately, the staff have told me that it's not uncommon for that to happen. We don't know what we did wrong, or why it happened to us, but at least we're being well looked after now. 

Apparently we're in a part of the year called 'Kitten Season' where lots of kittens like me are born. This year even more kittens than usual are being born because people aren't getting their cats neutered. Because of this lots of cats are having babies, like me, and there aren't enough homes for us all. That means that lots of us end up getting left behind. Now, I don't know too much about this neutering business (apparently I'm too young at the moment) but if it stops kittens like me being unwanted and getting abandoned then I think it's a great idea!

It wasn't nice at all, being abandoned, and I'm just thankful that somebody found us and told an Inspector. I'm sharing a cat pod with Jodie and another kitten called Georgia. She told me that she was dumped in a box with her mum, who was pregnant again, and her brother Hector. Like me, she was shy when she arrived because of what she had been through. Luckily the nice people who found her called the Inspectors and they came to rescue them. I'm very grateful because otherwise who knows what would have happened to my friend Georgia??

What I'm trying to say is, from what I've heard neutering is very very important...please neuter your cats if they aren't already neutered. It really is for the best and then there might be enough homes for all the cats out there! And if you are thinking of adding a cat or kitten to your family, why don't you come down to the rescue Centre? Everybody here really needs a home!

Also...if it wouldn't be too much trouble...I'm looking for a home of my own. Can you help me? I'd be very grateful if you'd consider rehoming me with Jodie as well. We've been through so much together and we'd really like to grow old together now :)

Lots of love,

Joseph xxxx

Hi guys Eric here,

Gosh I wish I had wrists big enough for one of these i would deffinately get myself one!!!

If you would like to support us and purchase one of our fantastic blue Derby and district bands come on down quick they are literaly "flying" out the door.

 

Eric - Available for adoption.

RSPCA RABBIT RESCUE

As a rabbit is popped in its carrier, her new owners are happily chatting about their new furry friend, the other bunnies look on happy for her but sad it wasn't them, they wonder who will take her space......

Looking around at all my friends and wobbling my nose at them and watching them wobble on back at me i realised how lucky we all were, We are safe, comfy, have lots of space to run and toys to play with, companions and  carrots-well our lives are almost complete........almost........ I myself had been picked up as a stray, I lost my way and couldn't possibly find my way home. It seemed a good idea at the time, the outside world was calling me, Just on the other side of the gate was a whole new life and a world waiting for me to explore it. I didn't realise the world was a big scary place, full of dogs and cars and oooo cats! I had never been so happy to see someone in all of my life, and when i saw a washing basket heading my way with my name practically written on it I didn't put up much of a fight (well you have to at least try and look like you don't want to be caught don't you?). when I was taken to the RSPCA animal shelter my new friend seemed sad to be parting with me but explained to the staff at the desk he couldn't possibly keep me as he didn't have enough time to care for a rabbit. I was taken to a large hutch with plenty of bedding and sweet hay to eat. I soon settled in and speaking to my floppy eared neighbours, I realised all of us were in the same boat, sure some of us had been abandoned by our owners some had been unwanted pets for children who had got bored of them and others their owners had developed an allergy against them but one thing we all had in common, although we were safe and warm, We all looking for a new home.

Over the next few days the shelter got fuller and fuller and each space got filled with a new face and a new story, some days one of us would leave to a new home but the space would soon be refilled. but there is one day i will never forget. The day of the rabbit army!

It was cold and a little drizzly, I was minding my own business having a good old munch of my hay ball when i heard a scurry of feet. I pressed myself closer to the bars to see what all the fuss was.

And then I saw it.Bunny after bunny after bunny came round the corner carried in boxes, all of them lining up like a rabbit army! I had never seen so many of our kind in one place! big ones, small ones, fluffies, smoothies, lops, up ears, dwarfs, giants every type you could possibly imagine.

I didn't want to be rude but i simply couldn't help myself,
"Where are you from?" i asked the nearest bunny a tiny white angora. His eyes peeked out at me from under his floppy hair, he had a twitchy nervous look about him but I wondered if it was just all his hairs wobbling together that was creating this affect? He eyed me suspiciously at first as if sizing me up then seeming somewhat satisfied that I was of no threat replayed in a fast, anxious voice.

"Me and my friends here came in all together from a home where there were 45 animals, imagine that 45!" I couldn't imagine that it seemed beyond belief. I was having trouble believing in these bunnies in front of me let alone more!

"gosh" i replied "and why are you here?"

The bunny mulled this over for a moment and then in a thoughtful voice replied
"I guess there was just to many of us?, we all need lots of love and time and I suppose with so many, that just wasn't possible, we had plenty of food but in the end it was just too much, our claws were getting long and we had to fight for affection. Me being small I got pushed out quite a bit."

That's so sad, I thought back to my own owner and the amount of time she used to take cleaning me and letting me run round the garden. and I felt a pang of guilt. I had run away looking for a new and exiting life without thinking or giving to time to imagine there were other bunnies with a much harder lives than my own.

"So are you pleased to be here?" I questioned.

"Oh yes im hoping for a lovely home with a friend and someone who has got time to look after me and my long coat", (deep breath) "I feel safe here, im looking forward to the future now"

That day passed with a number of brushings and bathings, claw clipping and teeth checking, The new bunnies seemed happy in their accommodation and seemed to cause quite a stur with the staff at the shelter who cared for us, with each new rabbit being met with combination of cooing and ahhhhing. This was followed by The filming I knew about the Tv, that box thing in the corner of the room with the moving pictures on it , I had offen watched it threw the window, but I never thought I would be on it! The stars of the show were the new bunnies, I listened to the man talking about the rabbits and thinking how true everything he said was. We do need lots of care and offen are forgotten at the bottom of gardens, I thought of all the hard work and time the rspca was putting in not only to rescue rabbits like my new friends but to care and look after us till we could be adopted. I was thankful for the kind people who opened their homes to foster rabbits like myself and  hoped that with the news report it would encourage people to come and see us and think about adopting.

That night when all the excitement was over and I was settling down in my hay I heard a

"pppsttt! pppst!". It was the angora newly named Bobby dazzler,

"whats next?" he whispered in his quick but now not so anxious voice.

"next?" i asked.

"yes what do we do now?"

"now" Isaid gazing up at the stars, "we make a wish and wait for our dreams to come true".

In a group of cages in Derby there sits 16 bunnies wishing on the stars that their dreams will come true and a new owner will come in and adopt them, that they will start a new life in a new home with someone who will love and care for them for the rest of their days.

Success Stories of 2012

As we are now reaching the end of 2012, I wanted to look forward to the New Year by ending with some of our success stories from this year. Unfortunately, we sometimes do have animals brought in to us that we cannot save. Thankfully, these are the minority and, as the stories below show, the majority of the time we are left with heart-warming success stories. It makes everything we do worth-while.

Dusty



Handsome Dusty at the Centre

Dusty was brought into us by a refuse collector who thankfully heard his cries from inside a dustbin. Just in the nick of time as well, as a few seconds later poor Dusty would have been crushed. Luckily he was uninjured and seemed to be none the worse for wear. Shortly after he was rescued, a wonderful lady rang the Centre, wanting to adopt two cats. She came down to us and met Dusty and Storm. It was love at first sight and she took them home to live with her, her family and her other rescue cats, where they have quickly settled in. Dusty’s new owner called her a couple of days after she took him home, thanking us for him as he had become ‘her little shadow’. What a happy ending for this chap!

Hachi



Tiny Hachi being bottle-fed



Hachi and his five brothers and sisters were brought into us when they were only a few days old. They needed round the clock care and so they were taken in by one of our brilliant foster families. They hand-raised them, feeding them at all hours (many sleepless nights!) and doing everything their mother would normally do for them. Against the odds, four of the six puppies survived and when they were nine weeks old they came back to the Centre to find new homes. They were quickly snapped up and have now happily settled in with their new families! Below is a picture of Hachi all grown up in his new home.



Big Boy Hachi in his new home!

Poppy


Poppy was in a horrendous condition



Poppy was one of our high-profile stories from this year. She was found abandoned at night, by the side of a country road. Thankfully, a lovely lady spotted Poppy’s eyes shining in her headlights and, at risk to herself, stopped to investigate. It was Poppy’s lucky day as if she had been left in the ditch much longer she would certainly have died. She was severely emaciated, her fur was patchy and she had sores on her joints. Her rescuer called National RSPCA, who arranged for her to stay at the Vets we use overnight. The next morning our volunteer driver, Dean, brought Poppy in to us from the Vets. Straight away Dean bonded with Poppy. It’s not hard to see why, despite all she had been through Poppy was still so trusting and just wanted love. Once she began on the road to recovery, Dean took her home on foster, to live with him and his other dog, Soda. With regular meals, love and exercise, Poppy slowly began to recover and now she is a different dog! Looking at her, you would never guess the trauma she has had in her past. Dean and Soda couldn’t bear to be parted from Poppy after all they had been through with her, and he has now adopted her.



All recovered, she looks like a new dog!

Sasha


The gorgeous Sasha enjoying a fuss



Sasha is a beautiful Collie X Akita, who for some reason everybody passed by. She was loved by all the staff and volunteers, but members of the public never seemed to stop at her kennel. She had a reserve which unfortunately was taken off, and it seemed as though it would never be her turn to leave! Being part Collie, Sasha is very clever – she picked up commands with ease and quickly adapted to clicker training. Combined with her beautiful face, and her easy temperament, she would make a perfect dog. Finally, a family of three came to look around the Centre on the off-chance there would be a suitable dog here. The teenage daughter spotted Sasha and absolutely fell in love. They never looked back and Sasha is now well settled with her loving, new family who said they couldn’t believe their luck.

Rapunzel & Cinderella

Rapunzel & Cinderella were part of the ‘Disney Kitten’ litter! They came into the Centre when they were 8 weeks old and suffering from cat flu. They recovered and were placed up for adoption and their brother found his new home quickly. However Rapunzel, Cinderella and their sister Mulan were not so lucky. The fact that they were slightly larger than some of the other kittens we had in, combined with them being plain black, meant they were with us for quite some time. Although they were slightly more timid than some of the kittens and cats we had in, after a few minutes of bringing them round they were like different cats, and were very affectionate. At the start of December, Rapunzel & Cinderella were spotted by a couple who had come to look around the Centre. They were soon happily settling in to their new home. Rapunzel has now been renamed ‘Pumpkin’ and Cinderella is affectionately known as ‘Cinders’. Their new owners have given us an update: “Pumpkin is the most curious of the two, whilst Cinders was a little timid to start with. They have settled in now and have found their voices at dinner time! They like to run up our curtains and watch our indoor fish tank. They have a cosy basket and like to snuggle up together and clean each other. Both now have matching blingy collars! They are lovely personable cats who just needed a warm, loving home. Thank you for letting us have them.”

Happily snoozing in their new home

Sunrise



Posing at the Centre




Sunrise the rabbit unfortunately had a long stay with us, despite the fact that she had a stunning coat and was a friendly girl. Eventually, months after she came into us, she was rehomed earlier this year. Now she can get the love, attention and space and that she desperately needed.




Squirrel


Beautiful Squirrel is still waiting for a home



Squirrel is a little different from the other success stories, as she is still waiting for a home. However, we still count her as a success due to her dramatic rescue! The RSPCA had a phone call from a worried member of the public who spotted Squirrel and her three kittens high up in a tree – it seemed like she thought that would be a good place to give birth! One of our Inspectors was sent out and she called in the Fire Brigade to help with the rescue. Luckily all four were brought safely back to the ground and they were sent off to a foster home. When the kittens (aptly named Conker, Ash & Willow) were old enough, the little family was brought back to the Centre to be rehomed. The three kittens were quickly snapped up, now it’s just Squirrel searching for a home where she will be safe and loved for the rest of her days.