From a practical view it is impossible to carry out the labour intensive activities that rescue work entails on a daily basis unless you are totally committed and in love with the object of your efforts. I have always had an admiration for the beauty and personality of specialist breeds of cat and to think that I am able to share their lives for a little while and help them during troubled times makes me feel most privileged. This helps a lot when you are investing 18 hours a day in something you believe in. In the past I have also rescued moggies but they are harder to contain as they often like to roam. They can also be more difficult to move on to new forever homes. The comparative ease of moving on pedigree cats means that more cats can be helped and the rescue does not become stagnant. Similarly, most of these cats are indoor cats, thus their welfare is more easily guarded.
From a welfare point of view it is a myth that just because someone pays a lot of money for an animal then they will look after it. Since running Posh Puss Rescue I have taken in neglect cases, particularly within the persian breed. Persians often come in matted which has resulted in their having sore skin beneath the matts. A badly matted persian can often take up to two day's work to deal with. Beneath the matts there are often also a host of fleas which will turn the water red when the cat is showered clean. There are also, sadly, people who think of cats as designer appendages. This type of person likes to throw out their cat when they change their colour scheme or when it makes a mark upon their best settee. To me a companion animal is a family member not a commodity and this view must be reflected in those who are lucky enough to rehome a Posh Puss feline.
It is also true that their are many owners who love their animals and have to part with them for genuine reasons. I am happy to support such people by taking in their cats on a permanent basis should they wish to sponsor and visit them. Clearly, my ability to offer this relies on the current numbers. Hence I offer support in an alternative way by offering the ex-owner updates on their former pet's progress once it has been rehomed. All rehomers must contract to keep in touch with me concerning the progress of their Posh Puss cat. I then liaise as a piggy-in-the-middle to the ex-owner and pass on photographs and information. This can provide great comfort and illustrates one way in which I work differently to other rescues. Posh Puss offers genuine rehomers a supportive and non-judgemental service where they can feel confident about the future of their feline.
The ethics of this organisation are my own ethics. I believe in the sanctity of life and respect for all sentient beings. Mahatma Gandhi once wisely advised: `Become the change you want to see in the world` and this quotation was very much at the forefront of my thoughts when I embarked upon helping animals. Posh Puss also rescues and rehomes pound dogs and unwanted cage birds.
The policy of this organisation is that petty rules, rigidity and competition with other rescues does little to save animal lives and so I try to keep flexible and to help out where and when I can. I am happy to work with others who share a similar ethos.
A rescue cannot get far without rehomers and supporters. To this end I like to offer respect and credit to those who help keep this organisation going and have done so in the past. If you would like to help by donating, sponsoring, rehoming, transporting, overnighting a cat in an emergency, organising fundraising or anything else that is relevant please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Posh Puss asks for a minimum donation of £35 to take in a cat - donations for cats that go to rehomers depend on the breed, age and prognosis of the cat. I do not take a wage for my animal rescue work and I do not pay a wage to anyone who helps me. All monies go straight to the benefit of the feline fraternity. Posh Puss is happy to accept food donations, particularly James Wellbeloved cat food which is used as a staple diet here. Pouches of food for the elderly cats are also greatly appreciated. Please note that I am not, at the moment a registered charity at the beginning of 2010 I am in the process of applying to become one. Updates will follow.
If you would like to support Posh Puss Rescue by the payment of a regular standing order please email me for details at jan@poshpussrescue.org
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