Together for Animals

No two days are ever the same for our member charities, and they never know what to expect. In May, one of the team at our member Mayhew found a cat carrier abandoned outside their clinic.

Inside the carrier was Stitch, alongside a heart-breaking note. This is not only devastating for Stitch, but her owner too, who clearly felt they had no other choice but to give her up.

Despite being at full capacity, the team brought Stitch to safety and started providing her with the immediate care she required, including medical support from the veterinary team. Despite the note left with her saying she had been vomiting she experienced nothing further, and after being assessed by the veterinary team seemed bright and healthy in herself.

Stitch is a sweet, gentle girl who enjoys her fuss and coming over for a cuddle. She was a little shy at first but she grew in confidence with the team and showed them her playful side too the more she settled and happier she became.

Sadly, we are seeing more cases like this as pet owners struggle to care for their animals amidst the cost-of-living crisis.

Just this year alone, seven cats have been abandoned on Mayhew’s doorstep with nowhere else to go. This year they have already taken in over 270 dogs and cats.

Fortunately, these animals are now all safe alongside Stitch. We must continue helping dogs and cats in need – but we can only do that with the support of animal lovers like you.

While pet owners are struggling to care for their pets with the cost-of-living crisis, animal charities have also been impacted, including all of our member charities. Every day, it’s becoming more expensive to run their services, which so many animals and their owners depend on.

As an animal charity supporting our members work across the UK and overseas, we want to continue helping them all be there for those who need them most. We need to be there so that amid the increasing need and costs they face, they can help animals like Stitch.

If you can, a donation – large or small – can support their vital work during these difficult times. Thank you for your continued kindness.

We’re thrilled to announce a very special milestone in our journey – Together for Animals is celebrating its 30^th anniversary! For three decades, we’ve been dedicated to raising vital funds so that our member charities can make a difference in the lives of animals. And we couldn’t do it without you!

Over the last 30 years, we have supported life-changing work with pets and working animals, and thanks to your kind support, together we’ve rescued and rehomed thousands of animals, funded life-saving surgeries, and supported essential animal welfare projects worldwide.

As we reflect on the past 30 years, we’re reminded of the countless heartwarming stories of resilience and transformation. From abandoned kittens finding forever homes to neglected horses receiving the care they deserve; each success story is a testament to the work of our member charities – and our supporters, like you!

But our work is far from over. Together, we’ve helped achieve so much, but there are still so many more ways we can continue to make a ‘pawsitive’ difference. With your support, we’ll be there for many more years – and animals – to come.

As we celebrate this milestone, we invite you to join our festivities:

Virtual Gifts: In honour of our 30^th anniversary, you can purchase a virtual gift for yourself, friends, or family. These symbolic gifts directly impact pets and working animals in need. Find out more: https://togetherforanimals.org.uk/get-involved/give-a-gift/

30 for 30 Challenge: This spring and summer, we’re asking people to be creative and help us raise £30,000 by taking on a fundraising challenge based around the number 30. Find out how you can get involved: https://togetherforanimals.org.uk/get-involved/30-for-30/

Thank you for being part of our journey!

Heavily pregnant, under nourished and due to give birth any day, Gloria was in desperate need of a place to stay. The 15-month-old beagle cross couldn’t be cared for at home, as her elderly owner fell ill. Full of energy but days away from giving birth, Gloria’s family contacted our member charity Blue Cross for support.

The lovable mum-to-be was soon in the expert care of the Burford rehoming centre before transferring to our Suffolk centre for the final stages of her pregnancy.

Just eight days after arriving at Blue Cross, Gloria gave birth to 10 pups. Sadly, not all survived, with one stillborn and another pup born with a deformity passing away after two days. Another pup with malformed bones in all of his legs later had to be put to sleep.

The family stole everyone’s hearts.

Happily, Gloria’s other seven puppies – three female and four male – are all doing well in new homes after the “brilliant mum” took to motherhood despite the difficult start.

Sadie, Suffolk Assistant Manager, says: “At Suffolk, we have dedicated team members who installed wifi and a camera in the unit to be able to monitor her, throughout pregnancy, whelping and with the puppies.

“Along with this, the team regularly checked her and the puppies throughout the night, while during the day a dedicated member of team looked after her every need.”

Sadie adds: “Gloria is very sweet and loving once she gets to know someone. She made a brilliant mum.”

A happy ending for all.

Inspired by the animated film Madagascar, the pups were named Gia, Fossa, Skipper, Moto Moto, Melman, Marty and Alex.

Cuddling up close to their mum in a huddle of black, white and tan coats in the early days, the pups won the hearts of the Blue Cross team, who worked closely together to help Gloria settle.

Burford’s volunteer driver had brought the pregnant beagle cross more than 150 miles between the centres to ensure Gloria had smooth transport to her final location at Suffolk.

Flea and worm treatment and high protein puppy food gave Gloria and the puppies the best possible start to their new lives.

“Gloria slowly gained weight and her coat improved to look vibrant and shiny,” adds Sadie.

Once Gloria recovered and her puppies were old enough, they joined families across the country in Suffolk and Norfolk, to Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Oxfordshire and London, with their futures set to be full of love, care and fun.

*Thank you for helping pups like these find happy, loving forever homes. *