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Blue Cross News archive - 2007

Blue Cross carol concert
The Blue Cross carol concert took place on December 12 and was a great success, raising in excess of £4,500 so far in ticket sales and from donations on the night. (December 2007)

Britain's pet owners prefer furry friends to human pals
British animal lovers would rather spend quality time with their pets at the end of a busy day than with their human pals, suggests the results of this year's Pet Census, a national survey carried out annually on behalf of The Blue Cross. (December 2007)

Gifts from Pets at Home
Christmas came early for the pets at our adoption centre in Burford on Saturday 8 December.
Generous Pets at Home customers dug deep and bought treats, food and toys for the animals at our Burford Adoption Centre. (December 2007)

What do cats really want?
Around sixty vets, nurses and adoption centre staff from Blue Cross, RSPCA, Battersea dogs home and private practices assembled recently in Wimbledon to spend a day learning about cats behavioural needs. (December 2007)

Bionic cat bounces back after death drop fall
Baby, a six-year-old female cat, has been dubbed a 'bionic cat' by Blue Cross veterinary staff after remarkably surviving two falls from a second-storey window. (November 2007)

Blue Cross appointed charity of the year
The Blue Cross has been chosen as the 2008 Charity of the Year at one of the world's most famous equestrian events, the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials. (November 2007)

Dog flea treatment can kill cats
Following reports in the media about cats poisoned by permethrin, a chemical used in flea treatment designed for dogs, The Blue Cross is reminding pet owners to always seek veterinary advice before treating their pets. (November 2007)

Veterinary nurse receives award
The Blue Cross's Veterinary Nurse of the Year Award has been presented to Anna Hatchett for her outstanding contribution to animal welfare, both within her veterinary practice and among the local community in Whitby, North Yorkshire. (October 2007)

Vet clinic reaches out to more pets
Six months after the introduction of a vet clinic at The Blue Cross animal adoption centre in Lewknor, Oxfordshire, we can announce that the weekly clinic will now extend its reach to a wider area. (October 2007)

Blue Cross treats puppy attacked by dognappers
Following a vicious attack on a three-month-old puppy, The Blue Cross is urging dog owners to prevent opportunistic thieves targeting their pets. (October 2007)

Happy rabbit relationships
Rabbits are naturally sociable creatures, and enjoy companionship, preferring to live in pairs or compatible groups. However, it is good to bear in mind some issues when introducing rabbits to each other and into your home. (October 2007)

Blue Cross Rolleston: one year on
This weekend, The Blue Cross equine welfare centre in Rolleston-on-Dove will celebrate twelve months of caring for the region's horses as it reaches its first anniversary. (October 2007)

Dr Elisabeth Svendsen receives Blue Cross Award
The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) welfare award 2007, sponsored by The Blue Cross, has been presented to Dr Elisabeth Svendsen MBE for significant contributions to equine welfare. (October 2007)

Protect your pet this fireworks season
It is well known that the firework season can bring misery to Britain's pets. Many pet owners may not be aware that their animals can become so distressed that they can develop phobias, which may lead to severe behavioural problems. (September 2007)

World Animal Day
October 4 2007 is World Animal Day; a time for animal welfare groups, sanctuaries and individuals throughout the world to encourage people to think about how we as humans relate to animals. (September 2007)

Blue Cross unit to visit to Pets at Home stores
The Blue Cross All About Pets mobile unit will be visiting Pets at Home stores in Cambridge, Southampton and Torquay in September to help local people offer the best care for their pets. (September 2007)

Free health check for pets
The Blue Cross is running a free health check day in south west London on Saturday 15 September. Taking place at the National Trust site at Morden Hall in Morden Hall Park, Blue Cross staff will be available to carry out health checks between 10.00am and 4.00pm. (August 2007)

Myxomatosis: protect your bunny
The Blue Cross is urging rabbit owners to help protect their pets against killer disease myxomatosis following a recent outbreak across Britain. (August 2007)

Online shopping catalogue now available
Shop here for our biggest ever selection of Blue Cross Christmas cards, calendars, diaries, wrapping paper and all kinds of gifts for the people and pets in your life. (August 2007)

Helping more pets with associates
We are pleased to announce that two new companion animal welfare organisations have been added to our list of Welfare Associates which brings the total to five. (August 2007)

Blue Cross comment on dog 'renting' service
The Blue Cross is concerned at recent news reports about an American service called FlexPetz, which allows busy people to 'rent' dogs for short periods of time. (August 2007)

Pets at Home marathon runners raise £17k
Congratulations to our super-fit supporters at Pets at Home who took part in this year's London Marathon to raise money for The Blue Cross. They raised a fantastic £17,000 for our pets in need. (August 2007)

Blue Cross shows raise thousands for animals in need
The Blue Cross equine centre in Rolleston-on-Dove and equine and small animal centre in Burford both hosted successful open days last weekend. (August 2007)

New Blue Cross charity shop
The Blue Cross has opened a new charity shop in Wootton Bassett, Wiltshire. BBC Radio Swindon's John Marshall officially opened the shop live on air on 26 July, with help from some basset hounds. (July 2007)

Spring 2007 Paw Draw winners
A Blue Cross rescue dog has sniffed out four big winners in 2007 Spring Paw Draw raffle at the animal adoption centre in Burford. Four lucky recipients were picked, with a top prize of £5,000. (July 2007)

Blue Cross reunites pair after 10 years
Staff at The Blue Cross adoption centre in Burford, Oxfordshire were amazed this week when they reunited a stray cat with his owners following a ten year disappearance. (June 2007)

Smoking and pets
In advance of the smoking ban on 1 July, it's a good time to highlight the effects of smoking on our pets. (June 2007)

Pets and floods
In light of the floods currently affecting parts of the country, The Blue Cross has the following advice and leaflet for pet owners affected by flooding. (June 2007)

Alert - Blue Cross & Human Health Organisation Ltd
It has come to our attention that a company is using the name 'Blue Cross & Human Help Organisation' and is asking for donations of clothing which it says will benefit poor people abroad. This company has no connections whatsoever with our charity, The Blue Cross. (June 2007)

Do you want to help pets in need of short-term foster care?
Help us rehome more pets than ever by becoming a volunteer for our pet fostering scheme. By providing short term foster care for cats and dogs until suitable permanent homes can be found you could make a real difference to pet's lives. We are currently recruiting in County Durham and Tyne and Wear only. (June 2007)

Blue Cross benefits from charitable trust
The Blue Cross has received £45,000 raised by the Peter O'Sullevan charitable trust, at a presentation at Newmarket racecourse in May. (June 2007) 

What do you think of this website?
Please take a moment to complete our quick survey; the more people we hear from, the better we can make it. By adding your name as you complete the form, you will automatically be entering into a prize draw to win a year's supply of cat or dog food from Hill's Pet Nutrition. Good luck! (May 2007)

The Blue Cross Veterinary Nurse Award 2007
Nominate the veterinary nurse who you feel has demonstrated a significant contribution in the field of educating the public in responsible pet ownership, and the welfare of pets in the community. (May 2007)

Blue Cross opens shop in Hereford
The Blue Cross has officially opened its fifth charity shop, on St Peter's Street in Hereford. Local BBC Radio presenter Katie Johnson was guest of honour at the opening on 24 May, and shoppers came along to pick up a bargain and join in the celebrations. (May 2007)

Tea Party launch
The Blue Cross today launches the nation's biggest Tea Party for pets, supported by actor Martin Freeman, star of The Office and A Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. An assortment of Blue Cross canines are marking the event by 'taking tea' together at one of London's most prestigious tea venues: Claridge's Hotel in London. (May 2007)

Blue Cross online shopping mall
The Blue Cross online shopping mall is officially open! Buy many products for yourself and your pet from retailers such as Marks & Spencer, John Lewis, Next and Pet Planet, and you will earn valuable commission for animals in need at Blue Cross centres and hospitals across the UK. (May 2007)

Free wills fortnight
The Blue Cross is proud to sponsor this month's Free Wills Fortnight, joining nine other UK charities to offer members of the public aged 55 plus the opportunity to have their Wills written or updated free of charge by using the services of local solicitors in specific locations. (May 2007)

Pets and housing: a positive Pathway
We'd like to hear from you if you have lived or are currently living in social housing and have a positive story to tell about your pet. (April 2007)

Blue Cross on New Tricks
Staff from the Blue Cross adoption centre in Hertfordshire will make an appearance on the BBC1 series New Tricks on Monday 30 April. They had the opportunity to appear as extras on the popular series, starring Dennis Waterman and Amanda Redman. (April 2007)

New vet clinic for Oxfordshire pets
A new clinic has been opened at the animal adoption centre in Lewknor. It will allow the Blue Cross's charitable services to help the pets of local residents on lower incomes who struggle to afford private vets' fees. (April 2007)

Kennel Club scientist honoured
The annual Blue Cross Welfare Award has been presented to Dr Jeff Sampson BSc.Dphil, head of the Kennel Club's Health and Information department. (April 2007)

Award for global animal welfare campaigner
The JA Wight Memorial Award, sponsored by The Blue Cross, has been awarded to Ray Butcher, a board member of the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) and former President of the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) for his work improving standards of veterinary care across the globe. (April 2007)

Talking pets with Martin Freeman
Welcome to the first in a series of Blue Cross Petcasts. We are talking with people about pets; some are experts in their field, and some simply love their own pet. For the first petcast we're chatting with Martin Freeman, best known for his roles as the Tim in The Office, and Arthur Dent in the film adaptation of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. (April 2007)

Animal Welfare Act - New law to protect pets
All good pet owners want to make sure that they provide their animal with everything they need, but until now there has been no legal obligation to do so. This will all change on Friday 6 April 2007 when the new Animal Welfare Act (2006) comes into effect. (April 2007)

Pets at Home donation to The Blue Cross
Hundreds of needy animals will be provided with a secure future thanks to a donation of over £320,000 presented to The Blue Cross pet charity by retailer Pets At Home. (March 2007)

Cats and fun
Providing new and interesting ways for cats to play is a great way to up their exercise and reduce stress. This is an ideal little toy that is cheap to make. (March 2007)

Cats and cystitis
The precise cause of cystitis is unclear, but one factor is stress. Cats live very differently from their natural ancestors. They are solitary hunters who prefer to eat alone. This article offers expert advice for concerned cat owners. (March 2007)

Host a Tea Party and help animals in need
The Blue Cross is inviting animal lovers to hold a tea party on Friday 18 May in aid of the charity's work with needy animals and pet owners. (February 2007)

Blue Cross president honoured by French ambassador
The Blue Cross president Tom Vyner CBE, has been awarded a high honour - Chevalier in the National Order of Merit - by the French Ambassador for his services to strengthening economic relations between France and the United Kingdom. (February 2007)

Love a pet day
Children at Happy Tots nursery in Stafford welcomed some special Valentine's visitors this year. Representatives from the The Blue Cross and the Benefit Dog Training organisation went along to judge artwork produced by the children and choose some worthy winners. (February 2007)

Choosing the right vet
Vet practices come in all shapes and sizes. So how should you choose a vet? How can you be sure that everyone offering animal treatment knows what they are talking about ? (February 2007)

Concerns over dog amnesties
Since the tragic death of five-year-old Ellie Lawrenson in Merseyside earlier this month, there has been widespread public debate on the subject of so-called 'dangerous dogs'. (January 2007)

Muzzles: why bother?
Even the most well-tempered dog can bite when in pain. Familiarising your dog to wearing a muzzle now could be beneficial at a bath-time or vet visit in the future. (January 2007)

Keeping birds as pets
Birds as pets is often a controversial subject. It is vital to learn the needs a bird has in the wild to understand how this can affect them when kept as a pet. (January 2007)

Canine hero wins Blue Cross Medal
Actress Felicity Kendal has presented The Blue Cross Medal for animal heroism to Jake, a Metropolitan police explosives dog who cleared the scene at the Tavistock Square bus bombing. (January 2007)

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