Left out in the cold
The Blue Cross is urging people not to abandon their animals after we took in our fourth dumped pet in as many weeks on one of the coldest nights of the year. Staff at our Burford adoption centre were shocked to discover a cat dumped at the centre’s gates in sub-zero temperatures. Nicknamed Tinsel she had just a draughty cat box to protect her from the icy elements. Long lost pals planning a purrfect Christmas
Long lost pals Mola and Steve will be having a very Happy Christmas this year. As previously reported the felines were best of friends but had to be parted when they came to The Blue Cross because Mola was pregnant. Get picture perfect this Christmas
Is your pet getting into the festive spirit? Well grab a camera, catch them in the act and enter our Christmas competition! The winner will receive a year’s free insurance from Petplan and two other lucky people will get £20 vouchers from Countrywide. It's a stowaway cat!
Ooh arr, it’s a stowaway cat. This stray youngster was found on a boat by a woman who worked at the harbour. The boat’s owners didn’t know the cat and after asking around no one else knew where she came from either. Doghouse Ken's reunited with his owner
Ken the intrepid cat is out of the doghouse after being reunited with his owner. The feline was discovered after he wandered into the Blue Cross adoption centre in Felixstowe and sneaked into the dog kennels to avoid the rain. Staff had no idea where he had come from and named him Ken because he was found in a kennel. Knight in shining armour
A knight in shining armour was at hand to help with our latest shop launch. The gallant Noel Evans from Warwick Castle helped The Blue Cross to celebrate the opening of our 13th charity shop. Mayor of Warwick Councillor Peggy Bennett declared the shop, in Swan Street, Warwick, officially open and local people joined in the fun. Problems with aversive dog training techniques
UK animal welfare, behaviour, training and veterinary organisations* are warning of the possible dangers of using techniques for training dogs that can cause pain and fear, such as some of those seen used by Cesar Millan, who has announced a UK tour next year. Ken's in the doghouse
Stray cat Ken is in the doghouse after sneaking in to a Blue Cross adoption centre. The feline was discovered by staff snuggled up in one of the dog kennels after finding a way in to escape the cold weather outside. Luckily for Ken, the kennel was empty and he wasn’t bothered by his doggy neighbours next door. Turkeys saved by the Butchers!
Dumped turkeys have been spared a bleak Christmas thanks to two animal-loving Butchers. The plucky pair were abandoned at the Blue Cross animal adoption centre in Kimpton, Hertfordshire. Thankfully, two local residents – Heidi and Peter Butcher – have taken the turkeys under their wing and given them a home. Spotting a Genius
For anyone who thought sign language was just for humans, this dog has proved otherwise. Deaf canine Spot will sit, stay and come at the command of his carers after learning to understand their signs. He even knows when he has been naughty or good. The Jack Russell cross was handed to the Blue Cross Southampton adoption centre six months ago when his owner discovered he was deaf. Woman reunited with her cat after life-saving op
A woman has been reunited with the cat she never thought she’d see again. Tracie Couch was distraught when family pet Smokie Joe didn’t come home one day. She frantically put up posters and printed out hundreds of lost cat leaflets to post through letterboxes. After several weeks, she was beginning to give up hope until she got a call to say that not only was Smokie Joe safe and well, he had also survived a major operation thanks to The Blue Cross. Have you got what it takes to stay on top?
Horse riders who fancy a challenge this Christmas are invited to enter a sponsored dressage competition. There’s just one small twist – no saddles allowed. The Christmas Pudding Bareback Challenge is now open for entries and the profits will be split between The Blue Cross and the Animal Health Trust. The Blue Cross is highly commended
The Blue Cross is celebrating after its new calendar was highly commended. The charity’s eCalendar was given the honour for innovation in the first annual Professional Fundraising Charity Calendar of the Year competition. The category was created especially for the charity because judges were so impressed. Christmas is coming to The Blue Cross
The Blue Cross is feeling festive after launching its new events page. The charity’s Christmas page is now up and running and supporters can log on to see what’s going on around the country. Keep your horse safe this winter
Horse owners are being urged to help keep their animals safe this winter. A recent spate of accidents where horses got stuck in ditches while foraging for food has highlighted the dangers of the cold, wet months. Advice to pet owners during the floods
The Blue Cross has issued advice to pet owners during the floods. Long lost pals reunited
Two long lost pals are purring with glee after being reunited. Felines Mola and Steve came to The Blue Cross together. But Mola was pregnant and the pair had to be parted so she could await the arrival of her kittens. Join us at Discover Dogs
The Blue Cross is off to Discover Dogs this weekend and hopes that you can join us. Staff will be offering advice and support to dog lovers and showcasing the profiles of many homeless and unwanted animals being cared for at the charity’s adoption centres. Donate don't dump and help animals
Companies are being urged to donate not dump their unwanted things. The Blue Cross has 12 charity shops across the UK that need new high quality stock they can sell to help sick and homeless animals. The Blue Cross attends Animals in War service
Animals that served, suffered and died in wars have been remembered in a dedicated memorial service. The Blue Cross chief executive Kim Hamilton was among the guests who gathered at the Animals in War Memorial. It is the first time a service has been held at the monument which was unveiled in 2004 in Park Lane, London. Centre welcomes unusual guests
A Blue Cross adoption centre has found itself with an unusual pair of guests. Gorgeous sisters Daisy and Tikaani are Alaskan malamutes. They were handed over to the centre in Burford, Oxon, after their owners split up. Now the pair needs a good home, but with a few requirements. Animals of war remembered by The Blue Cross
Animals of war were honoured by The Blue Cross on Remembrance Day. Twenty charity representatives took part in the parade, alongside the Royal Family, prime ministers past and present and heads of the armed services. Animal behaviour assistant Catherine Elliott carried the wreath both to recognise the charity’s pioneering work and to support her brother who is serving in Afghanistan. Left tied to a lamp-post, the dog whose owner never came back
Left tied to a lamp-post, this dog’s owner never came back for him. It was late on a cold October night when the doorbell rang at the Blue Cross animal hospital in Victoria, London. The dog, now re-named Moby, had been tied up on the same street as the hospital. A worried neighbour on the quiet street alerted the hospital when he was still there after three hours. Brave animals of war to be remembered
Brave animals of war will be remembered by The Blue Cross on Sunday. Thousands of dogs and horses fought alongside soldiers during both World Wars. Now for the first time 20 Blue Cross representatives are taking part in the official Remembrance Day parade to recognise their contribution. Left to die - kittens' battle for survival
They've only just been brought into the world but these five-week-old kittens were dumped in a field and left to die. Forced to fend for themselves, the helpless felines were on the brink of death when they were discovered by two horse-riders in Hampshire and taken to the Blue Cross adoption centre in Southampton. The Blue Cross responds to pedigree report
The Blue Cross welcomes the report published today by The Associate Parliamentary Group for Animal Welfare (APGAW): 'A Healthier Future for Pedigree Dogs', but echoes the concerns voiced by the veterinary profession about the need to consider non-pedigree dogs in any recommendations for the future. MPs get behind The Blue Cross
Members of Parliament have thrown their support behind The Blue Cross after an unexpected visit. Romford MP Andrew Rosindell popped into one of the charity’s adoption centres in Cambridge to have a look around. He was so impressed with what he saw he proposed an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons to acknowledge the “extraordinary and invaluable work undertaken by The Blue Cross.” The EDM has already been signed by 40 MPs. The Blue Cross sets up shop in Leamington Spa
The Blue Cross has set up shop in Leamington Spa. It’s the charity’s 12th shop and it has already received a warm welcome from locals. Shop manager Georgina Ward said: “We’ve been really busy and everyone who comes in says how lovely the shop is. We’d like to encourage as many people as possible to come along to visit the shop and help us raise money for all the sick and homeless animals at Blue Cross adoption centres and hospitals across the UK.” Protect your pet from fireworks
Pet owners are being urged to build dens for their animals so they can hide from fireworks. The loud noises of Guy Fawkes Night can leave animals petrified and can even kill them if they bolt across a road in fright. The Blue Cross is urging owners to prepare hiding places now so that they can get used to them before the fireworks start. Black cats not so lucky this Halloween
Halloween is no holiday for the hundreds of black cats who are homeless this year. The unwanted felines are often overlooked in favour of other colours and at The Blue Cross they account for more than half the cats looking for homes. Across the charity’s 11 animal adoption centres there are 249 black cats looking for homes, compared to only 39 ginger cats and 18 tortoiseshell cats. The Blue Cross features in BBC Lifeline Appeal
The Blue Cross featured in a BBC Lifeline appeal to help raise funds for animals in need. Presented by actress Felicity Kendal and her cocker spaniel George, the short film explored the vital work of the charity, which helps thousands of sick and homeless animals every year. Ms Kendal, a strong supporter of The Blue Cross, said: "I'm delighted to be able to help publicise the work of this wonderful charity. The Blue Cross does so much to help animals in need and they rely almost entirely on public donations." Sandbag and friends return to the UK
We’ve done it! Thank you to everyone who has generously supported the appeal to rescue Sandbag and pals from Iraq; they have arrived on British soil.The fundraising appeal has raised over £13,500, which not only allowed us to rescue Sandbag, his son Dirtbag and Hesco the cat, but also enabled us to help Royal, a previous soldier’s mascot from the same military base in Um Qasa. Abandoned kitten saved by feline foster mum
A newborn black and white kitten appears the odd one out in a foster family of ginger step-brothers and sisters who took him in after he was left abandoned in a field. Cold, hungry and terrified, the tiny tot was all alone when he was found by a passer-by in Wath, North Yorkshire and taken to The Blue Cross animal adoption centre in Thirsk last month. The Blue Cross sets up shop in Newbury
The Blue Cross animal charity is preparing to celebrate its arrival in Newbury, with its 11th charity shop. The Mayor of Newbury, Councillor Kuldip Singh Kang will declare the shop officially open on Tuesday 25th August at midday. Kick FM radio breakfast show host Downsy will also be in attendance with his rescue dog, Cassie T Dog. Is your pet too fat?
Our nation's animals are getting fatter, just like we are. We've got some of the unhealthiest pets in Europe as a result of too many tasty snacks and divine treats. Guinea Pig popularity set to soar
The latest Disney animation ‘G-Force’, about a squad of guinea pigs trained to be secret agents, is predicted to be a big summer hit with children all over the country. Pickles bounces back
Pickles, the lucky Jack Russell terrier who escaped death after being involved in a double car crash has been given the all clear by vets at The Blue Cross animal hospital. Pickles was brought to the charity's Victoria hospital by a passer-by who saw the accident take place in Catford, south London in June. Abandoned Albert
A cat has been found on the Victoria line by a commuter. The passenger heard a miaow come from a bag when the tube pulled into Brixton station. The Blue Cross offers advice to concerned pet owners
As thousands of people descend on Crufts for the annual celebration of all things canine, we are at the show to offer advice and support to dog lovers who are concerned about recent controversy surrounding the health of pedigree dogs. Staying safe around dogs
Understanding how to behave around dogs will help ensure your family’s safety and encourage harmony in your home. Fancy a wedding dress for Valentine's?
The Blue Cross charity shop in Hereford received an astonishing 20 wedding dresses as a donation. Brides planning a wedding should pop along to the store and try on the dresses. All sales go towards the animals in our care. Credit crunch winter tips for horse owners
Ten top tips on how you can tighten your belt but still give your horse the best possible care this winter. Health issues in pedigree dogs
The health of pedigree dogs in this country has been much debated over recent months, following a controversial BBC documentary last year. But what does it mean to the average pet owner? When it's cold outside...
A cold blast has covered Britain in a blanket of snow and hundreds of Blue Cross animals have had a great time in the white stuff. Take a look at some of our pictures and learn how you can ensure that your pet also stays happy and warm in the winter blast. Biscuit has the Chris Evans ‘Rex-factor’
Biscuit has come a long way since his days at The Blue Cross. He now has a loving new home and is making his mark with British public as the 2009 drivetime mascot on the Chris Evans BBC radio 2 show. The Blue Cross on The Alan Titchmarsh Show
Dylan and Thomas, two Yorkshire terriers, Athena a giant rabbit, and Magic and Mystic, two cuddly chinchillas were stars on the first episode of the new series of The Alan Titchmarsh show. Busiest year for Blue Cross equine centre
Last year was the busiest year on record for The Blue Cross equine centre at Rolleston in Staffordshire. Chief veterinary surgeon worked 56 years at The Blue Cross
In early 2009, The Blue Cross received the sad news that former chief veterinary surgeon, Patrick Quigley, had passed away. During his 56 years at The Blue Cross, Pat helped a phenomenal number of animals and contributed immensely to the work of the charity. Increase in animals in need as our pets hit hard times
A record number of pets were seen by The Blue Cross in 2008. We took in more than 5,500 homeless animals, found permanent new homes for 5,300 pets and carried out over 65,000 vet consultations.
Blue Cross dog sniffs out new career with cancer charity
Casper, a Blue Cross springer spaniel, is being trained to detect cancer in human urine. |
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