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Dougal's Pet Corner
The place for your pet stories and pictures, let me have them |
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Hillside Animal Sanctuary is where unwanted
and abused animals are given much needed sanctuary and we are committed to the care of our
many rescued farm animals.
For almost 20 years Wendy Valentine's name has been synonymous with care and concern for
horses. In 1995 Wendy formed Hillside Animal Sanctuary to help and campaign for animals in
need. Hillside is now home to hundreds of rescued farm animals and is one of the UK's most
successful campaigning organisations for the animals' cause.
We are pleased to tell you that our animals continue to receive the highest standards of
care. The dedicated staff at Hillside work endlessly to meet their every need and it is
your support that makes this all possible.
Your generous contributions towards our appeals have provided our rescued animals with all
the creature comforts they so deserve. It is directly thanks to our supporters that we
have been able to take delivery of new, much needed, portable shelters. This has improved
the housing conditions for our pigs, goats, sheep and small ponies, providing them with a
warm and comfortable home for the winter.
Help us to feed and care for our rescued animals.
Why not adopt an animal and you'll receive a certificate with twice-yearly reports and a
photograph of each animal. Visit our website www.hillside.org.uk or phone 0870 9914530 for more details. |
| READERS
LETTER |
A warning to all dog owners.
Today (Sat 29th Nov) I have had the pleasure of cleaning fresh dog faeces from the carpet
of my house because a certain person let their dog foul the pavement on the corner of
Beeston Road and Priory Road.
The owner probably thought no one was watching and the dog did do it against a wall so
they left it there (probably thinking no one would step in it on that side of the
pavement.) They were right, no one stepped in it but my child's pushchair wheel rolled
right through the middle of it and only later this evening did I notice the disgusting
tracks through my house.
This isn't the first time it's happened, frankly I am sick of these mindless morons and
it's time we did something other than moan about them. It's time to return fire, next time
I see someone not picking up their dogs' mess, I'll pick it up for them and then I'll
return it to them via their letterbox. Let's see how they like it in their house.
If anyone has a better idea of how to stop these people leaving their dogs stinking waste
products all over town please write in.
(I'm sure Vic could come up with a few ideas.)
Yours Sincerely, K.L. Sheringham |
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| Food for birds
in cold weather. |
| The removal of hedges in rural areas means that birds can
find winter as difficult in the countryside as in towns and cities. Food put out by
gardeners can save the lives of many. You can plant for birds, too, but there is always a
compromise, because the berries that are so attractive to them as a snack are also
attractive to us as garden decoration. We can also help them by not being too tidy in
borders, where seed-eating birds can find lots to amuse and nourish them among the seed
heads of herbaceous plants such as asters, teasels and poppies. Winter digging exposes
soil pests to birds and if you have had trouble with vine weevil in containers, tip the
compost onto sheets of plastic, turning it daily for several days, for blackbirds and
robins to feed on these tasty treats before adding it to the compost heap or the garden
border. Water is as neccessary as food for birds, so provide a bowl or saucer of water
daily for them to use and, if it freezes, be sure to break the ice or replace it. A bird
table is as entertaining as it is beneficial, especially for children. The wider the range
of food you supply, the more birds you will attract. Put out fruit, fat and bacon rinds as
well as seeds and nuts. Blue tits are useful in the garden because they will look for
insects and their eggs on the twigs of fruit trees. To encourage them into your garden,
hang coconuts and pieces of bacon rind among the branches. |
| CAUGHT
YOU! |
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At the start of the year we had 17 cats in our care. A
further 220 have joined us over the year and 13 kittens have been born in our care. At
present we have 28 in care, 8 of which are waiting to go to their new homes. |
Fundraising has been ongoing, and donations received have
ensured money has been available to pay for food, cat litter and veterinary bills. Local
cat lovers (including the ladies from Animal Crackers) have been very generous and
provided us with cat food and blankets for the cats. We have 28 cats/kittens in care, 8 of
which are waiting to leave for their new homes. Although interest has been shown in Cleo
and Pumpkin, they are both still available. Among those awaiting for new homes are:
Lilly (black with white medallion on her chest) 2-3 years old. Lilly came in with two
other cats. Although shy at first she has come out of her shell since her companions left.
A lovely friendly girl who comes to greet her visitors and loves a fuss. She deserves a
lovely home.
Tucker (tabby/white) 18 years old. This lovely old boy has recently joined us due to a
relationship breakdown. His behaviour belies his age, as he is very healthy and lively.
Another friendly cat that deserves a nice home.
If you are interested in giving a cat or kitten a new home please call Stephanie on 01692
535858 to find out what is available. |
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