Campaign for a Cause - Freshfields Animal Rescue

Zee & Zoey's
Cat Ruler of The World Contest
2012

See the debate here

Austin and I have given great thought to the subject of who will be the beneficiary when should he win the campaign for Cat Ruler of the World 2012.  He did a bit of digging around and after he had finished he decided that he would like to choose a rescue local to us - Freshfields Animal Rescue.

NB The reason Austin is so keen is that he was found sheltering inside a car engine, badly injured, and was taken to a rescue to be mended and re-homed. We have absolutely no idea where he came from, but he had obviously been fending for himself for a while. His age was somewhere between six and twelve months. That was nearly five years ago. I would get Austin to talk about this, but it still gives him nightmares to this day!

Freshfields was started by Lesley Tarleton back in the 70s who has eloquently written her story in a book entitled The Dog with No Name.  Yes, Austin, a d-o-g! :)  She came across what she thought was a bundle of rags in a yard but which was in fact, an Afghan Hound. His coat was so matted that he was almost unrecognisable as a dog, and he was so weak, he barely had the strength to lift his head when Lesley approached. From that moment both Lesley and Oskar had their lives changed forever.

 click here to see book details

Since that fateful day, in the 1970s, Freshfields has grown and developed into a rescue and re-homing charity for all kinds of animals. There are two sites, one in Liverpool and the other is near us in Caernarfon. There are also shops, support groups and various events organised, almost all undertaken by volunteers.

Every year Freshfields helps rescue and rehome well in excess of 1200 animals and birds across their two sites.  At any one time they can be home to 250 cats and Kittens, 60 dogs, 120 farm animals including ducks and chickens, 30 horses and ponies and 250 small animals, birds and wildlife.

There is so much one could highlight, but seeing this is a campaign about helping rescue cats, I want to concentrate on their current situation with regard to numbers and need. There are generally in excess of 200 cats across the two shelters, at all times, with that number greatly increasing during kitten season. It is their policy to TNR ferals that can’t be tamed and re-homed; and to treat, feed, medicate, love and socialise all the others that come into their care. From their website:

"Every cat and kitten, just like every human has the right to a happy, loving home and for that reason we are thorough in our checks when rehoming.”

Among the many currently waiting for forever homes:

This is Smokey

He is an older kitty that needs a home

Check out his details here

Nancy

Check her details here

Ginger kittens

Check out their details here

Just some of the many that are being cared for at Freshfields. I had the pleasure of meeting Lesley many years ago and was very impressed with her commitment to unwanted animals. At the moment she is on leave (bad time of year to catch folk!), but next week I hope to be able to talk to her and bring an update on the latest needs and success stories. Hope you will bear with us! :)

Meanwhile, remember:
if you would like to support our shelter

Vote for Austin

Courtesy of Nellie The Cat (who is not really) from Hell

Austin’s Campaign Manager 

And all round good egg!!