Terrific Torties

Hi guys!

Our names are Jen and Joey. We were found in a box when we were only around 3 weeks old with our brother Dawson. It was very scary being in the box without our mum and we didn't know what was happening.

We weren't very well at all because we hadn't been very well looked after but luckily a nice person took us into the RSPCA. They spent lots of time hand-rearing us and giving us lots of attention and food. After a few weeks we got better and were then ready to go to a new home!

We're still a little on the small side for our age but we're growing quickly! Dawson was the lucky one and he was rehomed recently. We're still waiting for our happy ending. We would really like to be rehomed together as we do love each other (and it's great fun to have play fights!).

Can you take us home with you?

Friends Furrrrever

Hi everyone,

My name is Pikachu (don't blame me, the staff thought I looked like a Pikachu!) and I live with my two friends, Jigglypuff and Squirtle.

 Here is Jigglypuff:

And this is Squirtle:

We have spent a lot of time together and really enjoy each other's company. I would really hate to go to a new home and not be able to share it with Squirtle and Jigglypuff. I know it's a lot to ask - because there's three of us we need more space; we'll need a big hutch and run, with lots of space to hop around and play (we do love playtime!). But we're very friendly and I promise we'll give you lots of love and attention if you take us all on!

Lots of love,

Pikachu

Lonely Lucy

My name is Lucy and I live at the RSPCA Centre in Derby at the moment. As lovely as the staff are, I don't want to live here forever but it's hard to be hopeful about getting a home when nobody stops to ask about me.

Everyday people come to look at cats, but nobody seems to want to look at me. I know I'm a black and white cat, and there's quite a few of us out there, but we're all different and we all have our own personalities. 

I love spending time with people and I do enjoy a good cuddle. I have to admit, I'm not a big fan of other cats. I do get along well with some (the ones that gel well with my personality) but I'd be lying if I said I got along with every cat. Dogs are a bit scary as well when they come over and sniff you so really I'd rather not live with a dog, unless it was one of those old ones who doesn't bother about cats!

Really, all I want is a nice place to call home, lots of love and food and a nice comfy bed. Is that too much to ask? I've seen so many cats, including my sister, go to their forever homes. When will it be my turn?

Lucy xx

A is for Ace!

Hi everybody,

My name is Ace - you heard from me a few blog posts again, but Leanne has let me take the reins again because unfortunately I am still here at the Centre :( I try my best to look presentable when people come to see me but the right people still haven't come along and most people still pass me by.

I've heard some people say that it's because I'm a Staffie. Yes, I might be a bit muscly, but I'm a real gentle giant. I love people to bits! Can you look past your pre-conceived ideas about what you think a Staffie is like, and look at the kind of dog I am?

I was left tied to a park bench which was really traumatic for me but I still trust people because I know they're not all like that. The staff here aren't like that! And every day I see dogs going to loving homes with people who aren't like that. I just wish my person would come along.

I do have a bit of a fault - since I've been at the Centre I find it very hard to deal with dogs. You have to understand, it's very stressful being surrounded by barking dogs all day long (i'm quite quiet compared to them!) and so they do irritate me. If I'm trying to have a nap all I have is other dogs barking at me. It's not very nice and for that reason I find it hard to get along with dogs anymore, so I would need to be in a home without any other dogs. Also, for that reason the staff do put something they call a muzzle on me when I go for a walk. It reminds me to behave and it helps to protect me and other dogs really.

Yes, I know it can be off-putting when you know about my fault. But really, nobody is perfect are they? Everybody has something they're not overly proud of. I promise to love you forever, and be devoted to you if you do take me on. After having a bit of a bad start in my life I would love to spend the rest of my days being secure in the knowledge that I am loved, to have a lovely warm bed and lots of yummy food. Isn't that all any dog wants?

Lots of love,

Ace x

Having a bit of a scare!

Halloween is coming up and lots of people are looking forward to having a scare - either by going on a ghost walk, having a spooky party or watching a horror film. That's all good fun, but I had the wrong kind of scare a couple of weeks ago...

Hi, my name is Pearl and I came into the Centre with my daughter, Ruby. Unfortunately, how we came in was the scary part. Our owners were finding it difficult to care for us any longer and so they put us through the gap in the side of the gate at the RSPCA. We were both very scared and ran for cover. Luckily the staff caught us and calmed us down quite quickly - I dread to think what could have happened!

Me after my op!

We were given lots of yummy food and love, and we slowly started to recover from the shock. I've now had my little op to make sure I don't have more babies (one is definitely enough!) and we're ready to go up for adoption to find a new family. I really hope we never have to go through that again so if you're looking for  couple of cats who you will love forever (and who in turn will love you forever!) then please come and see us.

My beautiful daughter, Ruby

Lots of love,

Pearl and Ruby

Neutering's the Name of the Game

I know this blog is specifically for the animals to talk but sometimes I (I'm the one who helps the animals to articulate what they want to say) wrestle it off them if there's a really pressing matter I want to discuss.

This time the issue is the neutering of cats. We've spoken about it many times before but it's just so important that I really feel I need to mention it again. 

This year we have seen an increase in the number of abandoned kittens, pregnant mums and nursing mums coming into the Centre. Year on year ourselves and other rescue centres see this increase. This year we offered a deal over the summer whereby we neutered and micro-chipped cats for a highly reduced rate to try to curb the flow of cats coming into the Centre, however the flow of cats to the Centre never seems to slow.

When members of the public call us because they sadly need to part with their cats the vast majority of the time we are unable to help them simply due to the high volume of abandoned cats who are brought to us by Inspectors or left on our doorstep by members of the public. We have a finite number of spaces for cats and, being only a small Centre, this number isn't high. 

Anise was found abandoned in a box with her mother and her sister

A prime example happened on Monday of this week. Two cats were pushed through the gap at the side of our gate when we were closed in the morning. Luckily two members of the public saw what had happened and banged on the gate to alert us. The cats were too stunned to move far and we caught them easily. They are recovering well from their abandonment but this is a case that is happening all too regularly. 

The big driver of the abandonment of these cats is lack of neutering. When a cat is let out the back door or goes through the cat flap, as an owner you basically have no control over where that cat is going. Unfortunately due to the financial climate it can be quite difficult to find the money to afford one cat, let alone the 4 or 5 kittens that cat may then produce. When that happens, owners feel desperate and can resort to abandoning the cat family if they feel they have no other option. 

Please please please tackle the problem BEFORE it happens. Book in and neuter your cat. If you are struggling there are some organisations who can help with neutering costs and the cost of neutering one cat will fall far below the cost of feeding, flea treating, worming and vaccinating kittens. 

Male cat owners are NOT exempt from this. It can be easy to forget the consequences of letting neutering slip by the wayside when you own a male cat however in order to be a responsible pet owner you need to consider this. Although you may not see the after-effects, your cat may be impregnating every stray/feral female cat in the area, along with the female cats who have homes. These stray and feral females then have to give birth in somebody's shed or garden and, if the kittens are lucky enough to survive after living outside, they will either become feral cats themselves, adding to the breeding problem or, if they're lucky, they will be brought into a rescue centre. This endless cycle puts further pressure on rescue centres and on the cat population.

Another incentive for neutering male cats are the health benefits. Neutering reduces the risk of many diseases, eliminates the risk of others and also reduces the likelihood of your male cat wandering and fighting with others. 

Some people believe that neutering animals takes away their choice however it is important to remember that cats are NOT people and they don't actually have a choice. We have to make it for them. It is far more beneficial for a female cat to be neutered at 6 months old and live a long life with her owners than for the female cat to remain unneutered and have at least one litter (she could potentially have 2-3 litters) of kittens every year. Bearing in mind that a cat can have anywhere from 2-8 kittens per litter - that is a huge amount of kittens for her to carry, feed and care for.

There are so many benefits to neutering. I know, kittens are very very cute - but they grow up. And they also all need homes; there are only so many people out there with space to rehome kittens.

If you have any questions about neutering or would like to discuss it further you are welcome to contact the Centre for advice.

Captain's Farewell!

Ahoy me hearties!

My name's Captain - if you've been down to the Centre recently you will have seen me around, I've been here for quite a while. Apparently it's because I'm a bit 'moody' but I think I'm just playful really!

Quite a lot of people have looked at me and asked about me but, no matter how hard I try, I just can't be on my best behaviour when they meet me. The truth is, I'm mischievous and I'd like to think I'm full of character. Cats like me just can't be tamed!

But one person likes me just the way I am. Lauren, who works here at the Centre, spends quite a lot of time with me and we've built up a bond. She recognises that I'm not aggressive and I don't hate people - I just LOVE to play! She decided I was the cat for her and she's taking me home later this week. I can't wait to be out of my cat pod to be honest and I'm so happy I'm going home with the right person. Even her boyfriend likes me even though he's the person I *ahem* attack *ahem* the most. I can't help it, I'm just compelled! Luckily, like Lauren, he recognises that it's just the way I am and neither of them wants to change me. Wish me luck in my new home!

Also, if you've got room in your home for another animal, why not visit all my "friends" (I say friends, none of them really like me as I play a bit too rough for them all...wimps...) at the RSPCA to see if one of them is the right pet for you?

There's dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters (I never did manage to escape and capture one of those like I wanted to...) and lots more. Why not come down and have a look?

Over and out!

Captain

Marvellous Mum

Hi everybody,

My name is Mable but at the Centre I'm known as the 'Marvellous Mum' - although that name does make me blush!

I was wandering the streets lonely and unhappy when somebody took me into the vets. They found out that I had an injury and that I was pregnant - all this made me quite miserable! Luckily they fixed my wound right up and the RSPCA sent me to live with my foster mum while I waited to have my kittens.

I gave birth to four beautiful babies - three lovely tabby girls and a black and white boy. However the day after I had my babies two more turned up! It turns out that some day-old kittens had been abandoned. Now because I had just given birth the staff thought I might be able to help out two of the others.

Me shortly after giving birth to my four babies

They brought the other two to me (two black and white girls) and they just felt like mine from day one! I had enough milk to take them on and they were exactly the same age was mine, so I didn't mind at all - they became part of our little family straight away.

We're now all back at the Centre and I'm slowly saying goodbye to my family - Edna & Mildred have already gone to their new home together, Bert and Vera are staying together and so are Bettie & Winifred. It's sad to say goodbye but I know they'll all be well loved and it's time for them to grow up - which they can't do with me because I'm too soft on them and still let them feed on me! At least once they're gone I can find a new home of my own, and I can start putting on some weight once I've only got myself to feed.

I love people (and food!) so please come and see me and give me a chance. The staff say soon I'll be going to see the vet who will make it so that I can't have more kittens. Although I love my little ones I have to say I'm relieved - it's very tiring having babies and I really don't want to do it all again. I'd much rather settle down in a nice home with a cosy bed, toys, lots of food and perhaps another cat to play with?

Come down and meet me! :) xxx

Beautiful Bernadette

My name is Bernadette and I was brought into the RSPCA Centre in Derby after somebody found me abandoned in a cat carrier.

I'd been in the carrier for quite a while so I was very scared and quite uncomfortable when I arrived. I didn't know what had happened to me and was upset that my owner had left me. However all the staff and volunteers at the Centre have been very nice to me and it made me feel much more confident.

Because I'm an adult cat and not a kitten nobody has really been interested in me. There's so many kittens that I think people forget that me, and the other adult cats, are also looking for homes. It's quite disheartening as every time somebody comes I think maybe it's my turn. But it never is.

I might take a little bit of time to get used to a new home, I'm not going to lie, because these last couple of months have been very hard on me. But once I get to know you I'll be your best friend! I want to trust people, it just takes me a little bit longer than it takes the kittens.

I also have very unusual green eyes - does that count for something? :)

Please come and see me, and maybe give me some fuss?

Bernadette xxx

Our lovely boys

Rocky

Hi everybody, my name is Rocky and I am what the staff call a crossbreed! I started off my time with the RSPCA at the Leicester Centre. They were very nice to me there but I just couldn't seem to get a home so they decided to move me to the Derby Centre. I like all the people here - especially the dog walkers! But I'm still struggling to find a home. I like people a lot and would love to live with a family. I get on well with most dogs - my only downfall is that I'm not a big fan of cats I'm afraid!

My favourite things are going for walks with my best friend Chloe (she's looking for a home too!) and playing with the staff in the yard. I promise that I'll be a great companion if you take me home with you. As much as I love the people who look after me, I really am fed up of being in a kennel now and would really like to go to a new home. What do you think? Am I the dog for you?

Maxwell

Hello everybody, my name is Maxwell. I'm a bit old to be stuck in a kennel really - I'm about 10 years old (I sometimes forget a little bit in my old age!) and I would really like to be in a home with lots of treats, warm comfy beds and love. It's okay here - I get fed, my skin is looking lots better now it's been treated, my fur is growing back and I get to have cuddles in the dog yard with lots of people. But it's not the same as having a home of my own.

I know most people might just consider the younger models around me, but please think about giving me a nice home too. I've been around too long now to be bothered by things like other dogs and cats so I should fit in well in most homes! Why don't you come and meet me and see what you think?

Ace

I'm Ace and really, I match up to my name don't I? My last owner tied me up and left me so I don't really want to have to go through that again. It was quite stressful, even though the Inspector who found me was very nice to me and gave me lots of love. 

I have to be honest - I don't really like other animals. I was never taught to get along with them you see, so they just irritate me. I wouldn't like to live with any dogs or cats - but if you're looking for an only dog I'm the one for you! I'm not all that old so I have been told that I'm still a bit bouncy. Perhaps really young children wouldn't be right for me because I like them a lot but I wouldn't want to push them over when I got excited. If you've got children who are a bit older though and can take me on walks and play ball with me in the garden that would be great! 

I really am a 'people' dog. I'll greet anybody with a kiss because I really do think people are amazing. I know the last owner I put my trust in left me, but I don't think all people are like that. And I'll keep loving everybody until somebody loves me back.

Chinook

Have you had a husky before? Yes? Then why don't you come and look at me! I'm now available for adoption and just looking for the right person to take me home. The truth is, I am quite a large dog and I'm heard that us huskies can take quite a bit of training so we're best to go with somebody who has experience of all that really. 

I may be 6 but you'd never know! I love to play and my coat looks fab (if I do say so myself...). What do you reckon?

Scrappy

Hi! I'm Scrappy! The staff named me that as I've got lots and lots of energy. I need somebody who can take me on lots of walks and give me training to keep me occupied. I haven't had very much training at all in the past so I'd really like to have some in my new home please! I'm getting training at the Centre and i'm understanding more and more every day. I'm a very friendly dog though and the staff said they were surprised at how well I walked on my lead. I was very good and waited at roads when I was told to.

I like nothing more than a back rub and if you've had experience of owning strong dogs in the past I could be perfect for you :)

Can you give any of our lovely boys a home? Please pop down and meet them :)

Kittens, Kittens, Everywhere!

Hi Guys,

Firstly - I'm sorry it's been so long since one of my furry friends has posted on here! We've all been so busy playing and trying to get ourselves homes that it just slipped our minds.

Anyway, my name is Joseph and I'm 11 weeks old.

I was brought into the Centre with my best friend Jodie after we were found dumped in a hedge :( Unfortunately, the staff have told me that it's not uncommon for that to happen. We don't know what we did wrong, or why it happened to us, but at least we're being well looked after now. 

Apparently we're in a part of the year called 'Kitten Season' where lots of kittens like me are born. This year even more kittens than usual are being born because people aren't getting their cats neutered. Because of this lots of cats are having babies, like me, and there aren't enough homes for us all. That means that lots of us end up getting left behind. Now, I don't know too much about this neutering business (apparently I'm too young at the moment) but if it stops kittens like me being unwanted and getting abandoned then I think it's a great idea!

It wasn't nice at all, being abandoned, and I'm just thankful that somebody found us and told an Inspector. I'm sharing a cat pod with Jodie and another kitten called Georgia. She told me that she was dumped in a box with her mum, who was pregnant again, and her brother Hector. Like me, she was shy when she arrived because of what she had been through. Luckily the nice people who found her called the Inspectors and they came to rescue them. I'm very grateful because otherwise who knows what would have happened to my friend Georgia??

What I'm trying to say is, from what I've heard neutering is very very important...please neuter your cats if they aren't already neutered. It really is for the best and then there might be enough homes for all the cats out there! And if you are thinking of adding a cat or kitten to your family, why don't you come down to the rescue Centre? Everybody here really needs a home!

Also...if it wouldn't be too much trouble...I'm looking for a home of my own. Can you help me? I'd be very grateful if you'd consider rehoming me with Jodie as well. We've been through so much together and we'd really like to grow old together now :)

Lots of love,

Joseph xxxx

Hi guys Eric here,

Gosh I wish I had wrists big enough for one of these i would deffinately get myself one!!!

If you would like to support us and purchase one of our fantastic blue Derby and district bands come on down quick they are literaly "flying" out the door.

 

Eric - Available for adoption.

RSPCA RABBIT RESCUE

As a rabbit is popped in its carrier, her new owners are happily chatting about their new furry friend, the other bunnies look on happy for her but sad it wasn't them, they wonder who will take her space......

Looking around at all my friends and wobbling my nose at them and watching them wobble on back at me i realised how lucky we all were, We are safe, comfy, have lots of space to run and toys to play with, companions and  carrots-well our lives are almost complete........almost........ I myself had been picked up as a stray, I lost my way and couldn't possibly find my way home. It seemed a good idea at the time, the outside world was calling me, Just on the other side of the gate was a whole new life and a world waiting for me to explore it. I didn't realise the world was a big scary place, full of dogs and cars and oooo cats! I had never been so happy to see someone in all of my life, and when i saw a washing basket heading my way with my name practically written on it I didn't put up much of a fight (well you have to at least try and look like you don't want to be caught don't you?). when I was taken to the RSPCA animal shelter my new friend seemed sad to be parting with me but explained to the staff at the desk he couldn't possibly keep me as he didn't have enough time to care for a rabbit. I was taken to a large hutch with plenty of bedding and sweet hay to eat. I soon settled in and speaking to my floppy eared neighbours, I realised all of us were in the same boat, sure some of us had been abandoned by our owners some had been unwanted pets for children who had got bored of them and others their owners had developed an allergy against them but one thing we all had in common, although we were safe and warm, We all looking for a new home.

Over the next few days the shelter got fuller and fuller and each space got filled with a new face and a new story, some days one of us would leave to a new home but the space would soon be refilled. but there is one day i will never forget. The day of the rabbit army!

It was cold and a little drizzly, I was minding my own business having a good old munch of my hay ball when i heard a scurry of feet. I pressed myself closer to the bars to see what all the fuss was.

And then I saw it.Bunny after bunny after bunny came round the corner carried in boxes, all of them lining up like a rabbit army! I had never seen so many of our kind in one place! big ones, small ones, fluffies, smoothies, lops, up ears, dwarfs, giants every type you could possibly imagine.

I didn't want to be rude but i simply couldn't help myself,
"Where are you from?" i asked the nearest bunny a tiny white angora. His eyes peeked out at me from under his floppy hair, he had a twitchy nervous look about him but I wondered if it was just all his hairs wobbling together that was creating this affect? He eyed me suspiciously at first as if sizing me up then seeming somewhat satisfied that I was of no threat replayed in a fast, anxious voice.

"Me and my friends here came in all together from a home where there were 45 animals, imagine that 45!" I couldn't imagine that it seemed beyond belief. I was having trouble believing in these bunnies in front of me let alone more!

"gosh" i replied "and why are you here?"

The bunny mulled this over for a moment and then in a thoughtful voice replied
"I guess there was just to many of us?, we all need lots of love and time and I suppose with so many, that just wasn't possible, we had plenty of food but in the end it was just too much, our claws were getting long and we had to fight for affection. Me being small I got pushed out quite a bit."

That's so sad, I thought back to my own owner and the amount of time she used to take cleaning me and letting me run round the garden. and I felt a pang of guilt. I had run away looking for a new and exiting life without thinking or giving to time to imagine there were other bunnies with a much harder lives than my own.

"So are you pleased to be here?" I questioned.

"Oh yes im hoping for a lovely home with a friend and someone who has got time to look after me and my long coat", (deep breath) "I feel safe here, im looking forward to the future now"

That day passed with a number of brushings and bathings, claw clipping and teeth checking, The new bunnies seemed happy in their accommodation and seemed to cause quite a stur with the staff at the shelter who cared for us, with each new rabbit being met with combination of cooing and ahhhhing. This was followed by The filming I knew about the Tv, that box thing in the corner of the room with the moving pictures on it , I had offen watched it threw the window, but I never thought I would be on it! The stars of the show were the new bunnies, I listened to the man talking about the rabbits and thinking how true everything he said was. We do need lots of care and offen are forgotten at the bottom of gardens, I thought of all the hard work and time the rspca was putting in not only to rescue rabbits like my new friends but to care and look after us till we could be adopted. I was thankful for the kind people who opened their homes to foster rabbits like myself and  hoped that with the news report it would encourage people to come and see us and think about adopting.

That night when all the excitement was over and I was settling down in my hay I heard a

"pppsttt! pppst!". It was the angora newly named Bobby dazzler,

"whats next?" he whispered in his quick but now not so anxious voice.

"next?" i asked.

"yes what do we do now?"

"now" Isaid gazing up at the stars, "we make a wish and wait for our dreams to come true".

In a group of cages in Derby there sits 16 bunnies wishing on the stars that their dreams will come true and a new owner will come in and adopt them, that they will start a new life in a new home with someone who will love and care for them for the rest of their days.