Charity Number 225670

Staffordshire North Branch

 

Caring for local animals for over 60 years.

Stoke on Trent, Newcastle, Kidsgrove, Biddulph, Cheadle & Leek

 

Cruelty Hotline 0300 1234 999       For advice ring 0300 1234 555

 

I would say to anyone who has a few hours a week to spare, who may be lonely, just moved into the District or cannot stand the cruelty to animals that we hear or read about, to come and join us for a few hours or more, if you can. Believe me, your help, however little, will make a difference and the need is great.

 

 There are people who foster injured or abandoned cats and tiny kittens (we have to bottle feed some, they are so young) and there are rabbits and birds. Once they are better the kennels take them for re homing (unless you fall in love with the animal). The new home will be vetted by a Home Visitor, another very important job (because the animal can’t telephone to say you got it wrong, come and collect me), so you just take the role very seriously, make sure no young animal is put with very young children for example.

 

 Then there are the activities. We have just had a Fashion Show and a Dog walk around Tittesworth. We have an annual Fun Dog Show, Table Top sales and an Auction. Anything to make a penny because pennies make pounds.

Then we have a weekly Lottery and our regular Safe Haven Scheme where an animal space is sponsored each week. We also have our two Shops at Bucknall New Road and in the Centre of Hanley (between Greenwoods and The Works) were we need people to sort out and prepare clothes and articles for sale in the shop as well as help in the shop itself.

 

 Whilst doing this essential work to help all animals, you make friends, people with the same interests as you. I have people who I home visited years ago and who still write or telephone to say how their pet is getting along. Amongst people I have met at the RSPCA are some of my good friends.

June

 

Eight years ago I became a Home Visitor for the RSPCA. I have always been interested in animal welfare. Interested—maybe the wrong word, passionate, probably describes it best.

 

           I went to Telford for training and had a wonderful day. We were all enthusiastic and very keen. I had no idea of the skills or knowledge needed, But I need not have worried as everything was fully explained and I enjoyed the day very much. I had more training at home and accompanied an experienced home visitor before I went it alone.

 

           The absolute joy I feel when a dog or cat that had previously been in kennels or ill treated is now settled in a kind, caring and loving home, being the centre of attention surrounded by toys and love. To see the new owners absolutely delighted with and in love with their new pet is wonderful.

 

           Being a home visitor opened up more opportunities to help animals. I became involved in aspects of fund raising, as the RSPCA receive no Government funding. I attended the Dog Show, Pet Run, Kennel Lock In, collecting, stalls at various events and Table Top sales. I met a huge range of people. Having fun and a great social life but more importantly

Margaret

 

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