Battersea Dogs & Cats Home never closes its doors, even on Christmas Day. It will be there to take in any dog or cat, no matter their age, condition or temperament, as it does on every day of the year.
Sadly, the Home’s kennels and catteries will also be full of residents spending the festive period without a loving home and my heart goes out to every one of them. Of course they will all be very well looked after by Battersea’s staff and team of amazing volunteers, who will give up part of their Christmas Day to walk a Battersea dog or even foster a dog or cat in their homes over the holiday.
No doubt too that many kind-hearted supporters will send in gifts such as toys, knitted coats, and treats for the dogs and cats to enjoy on Christmas morning. Staff at the Home tell me that the Battersea postman, sorry, I mean Father Christmas, has also delivered some more unusual Christmas presents over the years such as party hats for the animals, a snorkel, a lampshade and even an underwired bra!
In 2013 Battersea took in 113 dogs and cats during the Christmas and New Year period alone. Given half a chance I would take them all home with me. But I must get a hold of myself before my home starts to resemble Noah’s Ark.
If you do find yourself thinking about bringing a new dog or cat into your life over the Christmas period I urge you to consider whether this busy time is the right time and, like the people in the stories in this book, please remember the many thousands of dogs and cats in need of a second chance and give a rescue animal, who otherwise would spend its Christmas in centres like Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, a loving home.
As an ambassador for the Home I’m again going to take this opportunity to say that if you want to show your support for Battersea this Christmas, or any time in the year, by giving a donation to help the work they do, please call 020 7627 7883 or visit battersea.org.uk. The Home gratefully receives all donations and you can even buy their residents a special gift to help them feel some of the magic of Christmas.
Of course the dogs and cats don’t know it is Christmas Day. Or do they?
Whatever you end up doing this Yuletide I’m sure you will once again love reading these tales from Britain’s most loved animal charity and I wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.