Some time ago a lovely story hit the news about Flissie the
boxer dog. Owners Martin and Sue Read, from Sheringham were devastated when their beloved
pet collapsed. She had reached the stage where she could barely sit and the vet suggested
that it would be possible to fit a pacemaker. CALLING ALL TRUSTY TRADERS Norfolk Home Call provides directories of approved services that older people and people at risk of losing their independence can trust. It is run by Norfolk County Council. The aim is to make sure people can access services that are professional, reliable and reputable. People phone for a free directory with information on services available from local companies accredited through Norfolk Home Call. Services include shopping, window cleaning, gardening, domestic cleaning, bathing, painting, decorating and handy person services, and will soon increase to cover home maintenance services, such as plumbing, electrical, building and gas fitting services. There is no charge to join other than a token £1 'peppercorn' charge on becoming accredited. So if you provide a service that can help people remain independent in their own home, and believe you can meet the standards we are looking for, contact us for an application pack. Phone 01603 223243, or write to Norfolk Home Call, Norfolk County Council, Social Services Department (Contracts Unit), Room LG20, County Hall, Martineau Lane, Norwich, NR1 2SQ. St Joseph's
We were delighted when the little tabby cat mentioned in
our last article was also offered a new home and are pleased to advise you that she has
now left us. Fennel, another stray has recently joined us. This little cat is black
and white, is approximately two years old, very affectionate and loves to have his tummy
tickled. When he came he was in a poor condition. He has now been neutered and had dental
treatment. He was blood tested and found to be suffering from Feline Immunodeficiency
Virus (FIV), which is similar to HIV. This virus cannot survive for long periods outside
the cat and research indicates fighting and biting cats probably pass it on. At present
there are no treatments to eliminate the virus, although some drugs have been used to
treat infections with variable success. As a consequence a FIV-infected cat may be more
susceptible to disease, and require more visits to the vet. We are looking for a
special home for Fennel with someone who is prepared to offer him a stress free
environment, either in a single cat household or a household where the other cats are also
FIV-positive. To avoid spreading the infection to other cats he should not have access to
outside (this will also protect him from infections from other cats). Although
FIV-positive cats can remain healthy for several years, there are no guarantees. Because
of his medical history, we will be willing to pay for any veterinary treatment he may
require. Most people, I believe, are now aware that our Branch is run entirely by
volunteers who willingly give up their time to help the cats in our care. Because our
fosterers are spread throughout North Norfolk, Stephanie’s role as our Co-ordinator
is extremely important. When a call is received from someone wanting a cat to come in, she
is able to advise if a pen is available or how long our waiting list is. Similarly if
someone is looking for a cat she knows exactly which cats are in care and whom they are
with. Our fosterers are in regular contact with her, giving feedback on the cat’s
health, temperament, likes and dislikes. She can therefore identify which cats would be
suitable for a particular home and will arrange contact with the potential owner and the
person caring for the cat. We believe this arrangement works very well. Contact between
the previous owner and the fosterer is limited to the completion of one of our
“Acceptance Forms” and the handing over of the cat. Visits by people interested
in giving cats new homes are then arranged via Stephanie at mutually convenient times for
them and their fosterer. When a cat is chosen, Stephanie then arranges for one of our
volunteers to do the home check and complete one of our “Homing Forms”. The
person doing the home check will advise Stephanie whether everything is satisfactory and
providing it is, the cat will leave us for its new home, at a time agreed between the new
owner and the fosterer. The whole process then starts again with Stephanie
identifying the cat/cats to come into care next, and who will be looking after them. Her
free time is very limited and I fully appreciate how much she does do, especially when I
take over the phone and caring of the cats whilst she is on holiday. If you are
looking for a cat, call Stephanie on 01692 535858. Alternatively you can visit www.northwalshamcats.co.uk
for a description of the cats before giving her a call. Jumble Sale |
