The Birds And The Bees (And The Kitten)

Nottingham Bee Sanctuary

It occurred to me that virtually every animal we've ever had has been rescued. Sid, our most pampered overweight cat, is the only animal that didn't arrive as the result of someone else's neglect or an urgent need to be re-homed.

The bees were always loved and cherished by their former host but as she became fatally allergic to their stings it was a life or death matter to find them another place to stay. The Goose (the kitten) was brought to the RSPCA after she was "found" with a damaged leg. That's a matter of debate since it appears she was probably taken to the animal rescue charity because the owner didn't want to pay vet's bills. I suppose at least she was taken to someone who would care for her instead of being dumped in a bag which, sadly, is often what happens to unwanted animals. And of course the hens were rescued from the pet food man at just 18 months old because they lay less than 300 eggs a year so are no longer "financially viable" They're gorgeous little ladies who are even starting to take liberties!

Merlin, our oldest cat was found wandering in the street looking for food when he was probably only 9 weeks old. He is a much loved and very pampered pet but he is delightfully affectionate. He went missing last February for 13 days. We canvased every home in the area, we put up posters and advertised. In the end it turned out he'd been locked in a garage while people had gone away. He struggled home skin and bone but only just made it.

The weather has been awful today but we can safely say that all our animals have been warm and dry and well fed and well loved. We can go to sleep knowing that we have done our best to make their lives a little better. The kitten came with a nasty abscess. It has now healed though she may end up with one of those neck cones because she keeps worrying at it and making it bleed. It doesn't seem to slow her down much though she still only has two settings-jet speed and asleep. The bees are still foraging when the weather allows and the hens are putting on weight, their feathers are improving. Even a week on they look sleeker and more comfortable. They aren't scared of us anymore in fact, as you can see from the picture, they're coming into the house.

The only animal who isn't materially better off is poor Sid the Squid. Young Squiddy has taken to kitten food like a duck to water. Already portly this hasn't done him any good. Consequently this mean's he's now on a weight loss diet. It's fair to say this has done nothing to improve his already frayed temper.

Sleep well
Katherine xx