Events and new arrivals! (January 2011)

Following the Vegan Festival last October, we looked towards the next event, the Kings Heath Cruelty Free Christmas Fair. Right in the middle of preparations, Mark discovered two abandoned bunnies running loose up and down a residential street whilst working in Alcester. Door to door enquiries revealed little - apart from the fact that some of the residents stated that the rabbits had been running around for a 'few days'. Worried for their wellbeing, Mark sprang into action, borrowing a cat carrier from a local householder and obtaining help to round up the skittish rabbits. After a few false starts, both bunnies were safely contained within the cat carrier and driven back to PAWING HQ. After a vet check revealed two entire males, both were scheduled for neutering and vaccinations were arranged. Despite notices being placed around the area in which the rabbits were found, nobody came forward for the rabbits, so they have become permanent residents. Ironically, it has always been PAWING's policy to NOT take in rabbits! This is because rabbits are very complex creaures which should not be left in a small hutch for 24 hours. They need excercise, toys, space - and time! Although we didn't think we could provide this, we are delighted that we have been able to incorporate their needs into our daily animal-care routine.

Susan hugs one of

the rescued bunnies

Dotty (back) gets

to know Felicity

Shortly before the arrival of the rabbits, our chicken vet telephoned us and explained that a stray hen had been handed in - and could we take her? She had, rather comically, startled a local resident by popping out of his hedge whilst he was working on it! Sadly, just like the rabbits, although it was advertised around the area that she had been found, nobody came forward to claim her. We have named her Felicity and, as the weather has been so cold, have not yet placed her outside with the main flock. At present, Felicity (who has an overshot lower beak and would not have been able to eat properly as a stray) is living the life of Riley with Dotty, our disabled indoor hen! We will keep you updated with Felicity's progress!

And on to the Cruelty Free Christmas Fair... a deep blanket of snow greeted us on the morning of the Christmas Fair - giving us second thoughts as to whether we should actually go! However, the PAWING 4x4 Jimny is a fabulous little car, so we decided to give it a try! Although a couple of stallholders couldn't get there, the majority did, and although the turnout was lower than expected because of the snow, we made a profit of £26.00. Whilst some people would think that was a poor amount and not worth making the effort for, every penny counts to PAWING! With 32 rescued animals to care for, and the fact that we donate to other needy causes, it was a much-valued £26.00! If you can help us, please, please consider making a cheque donation and sending it to us at PAWING, P.O. Box 14788, Birmingham B13 3GW. Thank you.

Well done to RAMCC!

A recently-formed motorbike club which aims to raise funds
for animal charities is already making a difference to animals.
The Revolting Animals Motorcycle Club has helped fellow
rescuers save the lives of two dogs threatened with
euthanasia by stepping in to transport the dogs to a foster
home. Pictured with the lucky dogs is Cerbarus, RAMCC
founder - to read how they helped, please click here: RAMCC

And finally...

More events

PAWING is hoping to attend more events than ever this year, and our first event looks to be in March this year. It will be an exciting event aimed at dog recue and welfare - keep checking back to find out more!