Bambi's happy ending

Maxine and Bambi 

Bambi, a one-eyed tabby cat, was a long-term resident at Cambridge adoption centre. Animal welfare assistant Anna Claxton explains: "Bambi had been with us for six months and came to us because his owners moved abroad. He didn't settle in to cattery life at all."

Bambi was a very nervous cat, having suffered a road traffic accident in the past in which he lost his eye - and quickly becoming notorious for his behaviour. After assessment by animal behaviour adviser Andrew Stripe, the team at Cambridge dedicated daily time to a gentle socialisation program.

A new lease of life

This gave Bambi a new lease of life, and soon after he was rehomed. Bambi's new owner is Maxine Thompson, from Cambridge. Maxine was instantly attracted to Bambi and explains how he has settled in: "Bambi's been here for three weeks now, but has settled in very well and is coming along leaps and bounds."

"He is a totally different cat at home to the one I saw in the centre," she continues. "I saw him and fell in love with him instantly. There was a connection I can't put my finger on - I just knew I wanted to adopt him. He's a playful cat with lots of personality. He plays like a kitten."

Home comforts

Bambi is making himself at home and has found his own hiding place, under the bed. Maxine is very pleased with Bambi and the swiftness with which he's settled in: "He's very well behaved and I think we'll be very happy together."

Bambi was very popular at the centre, Anna concedes, but could not have gone to a better home. Maxine was also pleased with the assistance of Blue Cross staff: "The Blue Cross was brilliant and couldn't have been more helpful to me."

The Blue Cross rehomes pets like Bambi every day, and happy endings like this highlight the dedication of Blue Cross centre staff. As Anna Claxton says: "A story like Bambi's only highlights the work we do here: mend broken hearts and send them on their way. This is truly what animal welfare is all about."

If you have a pet from The Blue Cross with a special story to tell, we would love to hear from you. Please send your letter and pictures to:

Happy Endings, 7 Hugh Street, London, SW1V 1QG.
Alternatively, email editor@bluecross.org.uk