Animal Rescue with Marion Garnett
Dedicated animal expert Marion Garnett, founder of the Ealing Animal Charities Fair, continues her column
THIS is the best Christmas present wildlife in our area could have. The news that, after mountains of hard work, Pumpkin’s Wildlife Hospital has opened its doors to its first patients.
Only hedgehogs at the moment. But, when they’re ready, foxes, birds and other species will follow. It’s crucial not to rush the opening. They need to make sure their volunteers are adequately trained and that they can fully staff all the shifts.
At present Pumpkin’s ask that, if we find a sick or injured hedgehog outside their opening hours, we keep it warm and bring it to them the following morning. For other wildlife emergencies, they will offer advice over the phone.
Pumpkin’s have worked hard for this moment. They have almost 100 volunteers and need all the support we can give them.
Pumpkin’s is at Stockers Farm, Stockers Farm Road, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire WD3 1NZ. Opening hours are 9am-5pm. Their phone numbers are 07988 444376 or 07988 444290. More details from thewildlifehospital.org.uk.
Meanwhile, it’s Christmas and let’s not forget that thousands of animals will be spending Christmas in the care of rehoming centres. So let’s have a look at what will happen at a couple of these centres on Christmas Day.
At Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, on Christmas Day, the resident cats and dogs will have a visit from Santa and, thanks to their supporters, they will also have extra treats, toys and cuddles.
While, over at the National Animal Welfare Trust (NAWT) rehoming centre near Watford, staff will be busy giving out presents to the animals, which visitors have been leaving under the Christmas tree for the past few weeks. Animals can also look forward to a special Christmas lunch.
Some animals, like Susie, are in NAWT’s foster care. This means that, as a twoyear old ex-racing greyhound this Christmas will certainly be very different to what Susie has experienced in the past. But she’s getting ready for a good time. If you’re interested in offering this gorgeous girl a permanent loving home, see more details at nawt.org.uk. Susie gets on well with the small cockapoo-sized dog she’s living with in her foster home so, if introductions go well, she could potentially live with another dog.
If you’d like to add any presents to those under NAWT’s Christmas tree, you can take them to the rehoming centre at Tylers Way, Watford-by-pass WD25 8WT.
Finally, a huge thank you to readers for all your support throughout the year for animals in need. It’s much appreciated.