|
Holly Hedge Sanctuary Registered Charity Number 294606 |
|
|---|
|
 |
Boomer aged -9 months and Marina – aged 11 months These bosom buddies were just two of 14 cats rescued from a multi-cat household. None of them was neutered and several of the youngsters were reaching an age where they too could reproduce. Considering they were so many it has to be said they were all well fed, clean and in good condition—just not neutered, mores the pity, and none of them had names! All the cats were such a close knit little family and adored each other so much it was heartbreaking to have to split them up, but of course we had no choice and took advice from their owner as to which ones we should pair up. It would be too cruel to rehome any of them as only pets as they were so used to being part of their own little family community. They depended more on each other than human beings. They all went to new homes, neutered and in pairs. Boomer and Marina were re-homed 2 months later and are still as close as ever. Now getting lots of human attention, they are happily settled and doted upon. |
 |
Tao's story A lady rang Holly Hedge very concerned about an elderly Chocolate Point Siamese cat that had been hanging around her garden for at least five weeks. She said he was so thin, all his bones were showing and he didn’t look at all well, so we got him in immediately. What a state he was in - emaciated, dehydrated and with a distended stomach plus he badly needed a dental. Tao as we named him was taken straight to the Vet. He was kept in and put on a drip, also blood tests were taken which showed he had high thyroid levels. In spite of his problems Tao was such a friendly boy and purred loudly for everyone. He really appreciated a cuddle and revelled in the attention he had been deprived of when he was homeless. It wasn’t all plain sailing with this dear old soldier, he suffered from irritable bowel syndrome and was finding it difficult to eat, as his teeth were so bad. It was very much touch and go at first. He eventually gained enough weight to be able to cope with an anaesthetic so he could have a dental. He had a blood test to see if his liver and kidneys were functioning and the results were OK, so off he went to Vale Vets where he had five rotten teeth extracted and the rest scaled and polished. It was obvious Tao felt happier and more comfortable and began to enjoy his food and gain weight. His carers had put everything into making life better for him, but Tao needed so much individual attention. His age put most people off adopting him, despite our offer of paying age-related vet bills. At long last after 4 months and another pleading advert, Sue and Brian came to meet Tao. It was his lucky day when their hearts went out to him. |
 |
Poor Kitty was brought to Holly Hedge as a sad and lonely stray. Although she loved cuddles and playtimes with our staff and volunteers it was clear she missed the one-to-one companionship. Luckily she didn't wait too long and soon went to her new owners who write : "Kitty has settled in well and has taken ownership of the bed in the spare room. She has just started to go out and explore the local area and doesn't stray too far at present. She always comes back as soon as you rattle a food tray. We almost have her settled in to the Summer House that can double as acommodation when she needs it. She does moult incredibly, but she is really good natured, chats a lot and has become part of the family!" |
 |
Cooper came to Holly Hedge as he was sadly not getting the attention and exercise he needed at his home. Although aged 9, he was still a fun loving, happy boy who was just too much for his owners who felt that he needed someone with a little more time for him. After a few weeks, we began to fear his age may go against him, even though he clearly showed he had lots more energy and love to share! Then, a sunny day in May proved to be the start of a new life for dear old Cooper when he met his new family. Cooper writes: "I am wanting to say a BIG THANK YOU for allowing me to stay with you when I needed it most and for all your kindness, TLC and for getting me fit. I am having a ball now with my new mum and dad, loads of kisses and cuddles not to mention walkies and play. Mum worries that I am putting on too much weight AND Dad keeps saying he will have me weighed!!!! Meanwhile I am going to have a nap now and will send you a piccy but so many to choose from. With loads of love and thanks. Love you all.COOPER" |
 |
Murphy Murphy was brought in to Holly Hedge on a Sunday afternoon in October. He was found straying by someone visiting the Garden Centre in Leigh Court at Abbots Leigh. No one seemed to know where he came from so he turned up on our doorstep with a very worried member of the public who could see there was something wrong, as the poor dog couldn’t walk properly. He was underweight, badly matted and full of fleas. When staff groomed him they were appalled by what they saw. His private parts were very sore and swollen and it was obvious that he was in a great deal of pain. He couldn’t even urinate properly. It was quite apparent the callous, barbaric perpetrator had attemptd to castrate him using some kind of ring leaving the wound very badly infected. A visit to Vale vets confirmed that someone had used a lambing ring, which must have caused the poor animal excruciating pain. Through publicity we found out who had performed the atrocity and informed the RSPCA. Unfortunately these people wanted to remain anonymous through fear of reprisal. The RSPCA did their best to get the evidence needed to go to trial but it was not forthcoming. Poor Murphy had to stay at the vets overnight after they performed surgery to correct the previous mutilation. He had to wear a head collar for 2 weeks as all he wanted to do was pull his stitches out. Thanks to the article in the Evening Post, who also took a lovely photo of him, we received several offers of homes from kind people who read of Murphy’s suffering. We chose a country home and new owners who knew all about collie’s needs and would take him to agility classes when he had fully recovered from his painful ordeal. Through all his suffering he still loved humans and now he had the rest of his life to look forward to, with people who care and only want the very best for him. |
 |
Monty was so adorable, but sadly had been diagnosed with Hip Dysplasia. He was taken to Temple Cloud twice a week for hydrotherapy to strengthen his muscles, and responded very well.He may need an operation in the future, but if so a ‘Monty Fund’ will be set up to pay for it. Thankfully Monty is progressing so well that this may not be necessary. He was such a good boy, despite having his exercise limited to little and often. Now Monty's dream has come true and he caught the eye of a wonderful couple who have now given him the loving home environment which he so deserves. We wish them well for their new lives together which will be greatly enriched by Monty. |
 |
Over the last few years we have taken in a number of dogs from Ireland as sadly there are far too many stray and unwanted dogs and not enough homes for them to go to. Paddy was one such little dog who was seen to be thrown from a moving car. He was taken to a kind lady who does her best to help find homes and transports those who are still waiting to various charities in England. When Paddy arrived he seemed none the worse for his ordeal, a real little trouper who took everything in his stride. He was wonderful with people but wasn’t so keen on other dogs. It wasn’t long before his Irish charms won over a couple looking for a little dog they could lavish all their affection upon. A few days later and off he went, his unhappy experience far behind him and a future full of hope to look forward to. A short time later his new mum wrote to us:- Just to let you know that Paddy is very, very happy. He takes us for long walks across the fields and through the woods 3 times a day. He can now play with other dogs, knows his name, will fetch a ball and is always ready to play and to give cuddles. I love him so much and, when he comes bounding into the bedroom in the morning and showers me with kisses I know that the day is going to be a whole lot of fun. I can now sleep at night. Instead of getting up at 2-3 a.m. I sleep right through and I’m sure this is due to Paddy and the love we share. He is the most gorgeous, wonderful dog we’ve ever had. |
 |
Basil’s original owners had moved house but the poor old boy wouldn’t settle and kept going back to his previous home where he was living rough in the garden. So he was signed over to Holly Hedge. His long coat had got very badly matted, he needed a dental and his ears were full of gunge and, horror of horrors, he was un-neutered. Well, that was soon sorted out, along with having his matts shaved off, 3 teeth extracted and his ears flushed. Although we worry about our “oldies” having to undergo an anaesthetic they have always come back to us safely and Basil was no exception. 3 months later he captured the hearts of a super couple who would love and care for him for the rest of his twilight years. Thank you Naomi & Justin. “Basil came to live with us in January. We think he is a very special cat! He settled in straightaway – begging for bacon sandwiches on his first day with us. Since then Basil has established himself as the boss of the household. He is very vocal and wakes us up when he wants to go out in the morning. Basil enjoys his fuss but is not shy about giving us a bop if he’s had enough. Recently we have had a new baby in the house. We have made sure that Basil still feels loved and he has adjusted well to the new routines, getting up at 2 a.m. to help feed the baby! Basil truly is one of the family and we couldn’t be without him.” |
 |
Chester was taken in as a stray by a lady who felt sorry for him having to fend for himself in all weathers. Once he was inside he didn’t want to go out very much, enjoying his home comforts, probably because he was afraid he might not be let in again. Unfortunately the four established cats in the household didn’t accept him and picked on him—so much so he was hiding behind the settee most of the time. It was with great reluctance his rescuer decided this wasn’t fair on Chester and brought him to us for re-homing. Although nervous to start with he soon settled in. The vet found he had a few broken teeth so he needed a dental, but this didn’t stop him eating his food. He was always ready to eat. Six long months later he was chosen by a family who had just had to have an elderly cat they adopted from us put to sleep and there were no other pets. As they had already had a home check Chester was able to go home straight away. He was shy of visitors and would hide away from people he didn’t know. When it was time for him to see what he thought about the outside world his new owner showed him the garden. Poor Chester took one look and bolted. In spite of reporting him everywhere and extensive advertising there was no news of his whereabouts. A very worrying time for everyone. Luckily his 1st rescuer had had him micro-chipped, which had been changed into Holly Hedge’s name when he came to us. A year later a stray black cat arrived—when he was scanned the chip identified him as Chester. Although unrecognisable at first as the plump, well-groomed cat who had gone to his new home more than a year earlier, everyone was overjoyed at his safe return as we all thought we would never see him again. Thank goodness he was safe and not in too bad a condition. He did need another dental though and had a heart murmur. As his previous owner had recently adopted another elderly cat from us he was back to square 1 again, needing a home. Poor chap, as if he hadn’t been through enough. It was Chester’s lucky day when a new volunteer cat cuddler heard his story and wanted to give him the chance of happiness again. It was ideal, no other pets and a very quiet home. He’s still there and very much loved. Sarah, his new mum, says: "Chester is a shy boy but very loving to people he gets to know. He loves a fuss and will now sit on laps. He sends love & purrs to all his carers at Holly Hedge". |
 |
Bridie was a frightened little mite when she came to Holly Hedge and not too keen on human company at all. She had been spotted by staff at a day care centre in Whitchurch with 2 tiny kittens. Although this poor little cat was unapproachable caring staff fed her, watched over her and found homes for her babies. Eventually she was trapped and brought to the sanctuary. Work began on taming her, not an easy task as Bridie preferred to hide under her blanket and hiss when approached. This was just her fear showing but she wasn't aggressive, just very scared. Slow progress was being made but, although staff could stroke her, she would still shy away from the public. It really was her lucky day when, after 8 months, Gill was introduced to Bridie and could see behind her shyness. Bridie now lives with Gill, 2 other cats and a dog. Thank you, Gill, for changing this little cat's life for the better. Gill tells us "What a difference one year can make. This morning Bridie skipped down the garden path, chased her tail, played with a piece of plastic and jumped up on the work surface for breakfast. She nudged against me to say thank you and disappeared upstairs for a snooze. Although she still hid under her blanket when I first saw her we chose one another and home she came. Again she disappeared under the blankets appearing only for food. This went on for at least 3 months! Then Olivia, my older cat, decided to take over and coaxed her out into the wide world. Well done, Livvy. Today Bridie loves the garden and basks in the sun by the pond. What a life!" |
 |
Jess was rescued from an owner who thought that the way to train a Rottie was to put the fear of God in her and not feed her properly. How misguided and callous! When she came to us she was underweight and quite nervous but our staff have a way of gaining trust and showing that not all people are bad.. They soon brought her round with patience and kindness, not to mention lots of good food. Jess was with us for 5 weeks gaining confidence all the time. We were overjoyed when she was chosen by a super family who had previously adopted two cats from us. We were just a little bit worried that Jess might scare the cats but we knew that she was very trainable and so eager to please. When we were told they had a rabbit who enjoyed his freedom we thought “Oh, dear, is this going to work?” We were persuaded it definitely would as they had the time and commitment to introduce them all slowly and carefully. So, home she went and, as you can see from these lovely photos, they’re all one big happy family now. What a lucky girl. Jess’s new family write:- "Jess has done so well at training classes and the photos show just how friendly she is with other animals. We had a hamster and Jess used to lick it’s face. She is so gentle and loving and it is a pleasure to have her as part of our family. Thank you for allowing us to give this wonderful dog a home". |
 |
Holly did not have a good start in life, brought to us initially as she was found abandoned in a box with her sister. She did go to a new home, but due to her deep-seated anxieties, she was brought back. As I worked at Holly Hedge, my husband and I decided to foster her whilst we looked for a new home. When we first brought her home, she would hide from everything… us, the hoover, even a Tesco carrier bag! She was scared of even going for a walk, the big outside world sending her into orbit! As she was still looking to be re-homed, I would bring Holly into the Sanctuary with me so she could still meet prospective new owners. She dealt with this very well, although we quickly found out she has no stomach for car journeys, poor pup. She continued accompanying me until one day, seeing me put on my Holly Hedge Sweatshirt, she promptly jumped into our other dog Maddies’ bed and refused to get out! I think then we realized she’d chosen us. It has taken 6 months of patience and giving her room to build her confidence, enabling her to leave the past behind her. It is still an ongoing job, not something that is going to change overnight, but it’s clear from the amount of love that she gives back that she is enjoying her new life. All she needed was a second chance for a fresh beginning. |
 |
Holly was brought to Holly Hedge for rehoming as her owners were working full time and felt it was unfair to leave her all alone every day. Although slightly mature in age, Holly was a wonderful fun dog to have here. She enjoyed her walks, playing with our volunteers and any one-to-one time for cuddles. Even though we hoped we were making life as happy as possible for Holly, there is no substitute for a quiet, warm home. Luckily Holly didn't have to wait too long for her new owner! She was soon chosen by a super gentleman, and now she is living a lovely new life and is even taken on lots holidays to lie the sunshine and walk along the beach! |
|
|---|
