In Loving Memory

Gracie

Today (9th March ’26) we lost another of our old friends in the cattery.Gracie came in with her mum and became an Ark permanent resident when her mum was adopted aswe knew she’d never settle in a house. She had been diagnosed as highly likely to have Lymphoma a couple of months ago and she was prescribed medication which brought her a comfortable couple of months but, unfortunately, as expected, the cancer grew to tolerate the medication and was taking over her body so she was taken to be put to sleep this evening as she was getting very tired and weary.

She was a lovely, quiet, unassuming girl who was independent, didn’t like too much attention although, as her illness progressed, she more accepting of comfort given. She loved her freedom and her little life at the Ark. She especially loved a quiet spot in the garden to sunbathe or just sit quietly keeping herself to herself. She built little bonds with other quiet, older cats who have all sadly now passed and most recently she struck up a sweet little bond with Ninja who is also going through some health issues They could often be found snuggled together so, safe to say, Gracie’s calm and beautiful soul shone to other timid cats and she played her little part in the Ark family. She was much loved by her carers and they are going to miss her. R.I.P. sweet girl.

Jess

Age and time caught up with Jess yesterday 18th February. At almost 19 years old she told us she was ready to go and was taken to the vet to be put to sleep very peacefully cuddled in Ruth’s fleece. She and her daughter Susie had been with us for around 10 months following the ill-health and susequent death of their owner and certainly made her mark. She was sassy and curious and loved following staff around. She’ll be missed by all who knew her and will hopefully have found her old owner waiting for her over Rainbow Bridge

Connie

Another sad loss in the cattery coming so soon after Smudge. Connie came to the Ark early in 2021 after her family moved and left her behind. We think she’s middle-aged. She was a stable cat in her former home so wasn’t suited to life as a pet cat and was homed in our stables once she’d settled in, which more than suited her semi-feral background.

Connie started behaving out of character, not coming back for meals and then stopped eating. Staff felt there was something not right. She was taken to the vets a couple of times but suggested treatments made no difference so she was scanned and a mass was found on her liver, so she was put to sleep today 3rd February 2026. She was a very sweet girl and during these last few days she has been so brave whilst she had to be kept in a pen to be closely monitored. She allowed a few strokes and gave us some purrs so we think she understood we were trying to help her. Brave and strong to the end, bless her.

She’s now reunited with her pals Ollie and Patchy, the last of the original stable gang. R.I.P. sweet Connie.

Smudge

Smudge came into the Ark withhis friend Lucky when their owner down-sized their house. The’y been living with the son, but he was allergic to cats so they were living in an outhouse. Both cats had access to the site during the daytime, returning to their pen at teatime. Smudge went missing on Wednesday 28th January, which was totally out of character. Extensive searches were made for him around the Ark and in the fields behind, but there was no sign of him. Then on Saturday 30th he was found deceased behing the log cabin in the cat garden. We’ve no idea what happened to the poor lad but it looks as if he was trying to get back home to us. So sad, we’ll miss him and so will Lucky. He’d just had his 14th birthday.

We’ll probably never know how he died, but are relived he came home and at least we weren’t left wondering where he was and if he was ok. We’ve buried him beside his old pen. R.I.P. sweet boy.

Cyril

Today, 10th November ’25, we lost another old timer. Cyril came to us as a feral stray in mid-2019 and he was quite old then.He didn’t like being touched but was happy to live alongside us, knowing we were the providers of food and meant him no harm. His favourite living soul was Reggie, another permaent resident and he was happy with us, either curled up in the sun in the cat garden or cuddled up with Reggie.

Sadly, over the weekend he lost control of his bowels. He was taken to the vet this moring and he was put to sleep very peacefully as there was no treatment for him. We think he was at least 18 years. Most of his life he was fending for himself as a feral, but we’re comforted to know that his last 6 years were comfortable, well cared for and watched over and with the company of his best friend. R.I.P. sweet Cyril. He’s been a part of the Ark for a long time and his quiet presence will be missed.

Ollie

There was a black cloud over the Ark today, 6th November ’25. This morning staff found Ollie, our elderly Labrador, unable to move. They managed to get him up but he was hunched up, walking very unsteadily and carefully and crossing his legs. He was taken straight to the vets and  we were told the nerves in his back and spine were too damaged and he was in a lot of pain, couldn’t sit or lie down. There was no alternative but to put him to sleep. Ollie first came to the Ark in June ’24 from a miserable existence living with an alcoholic owner. He was adopted but sadly one of his new owners became ill requiring multiple hospital visits, so he came back to the Ark in January of this year as he had separation anxiety. He was such a gentle, lovely-natured boy and everybody loved him. He had developed arthritis in his back legs and was on medication and we were about to launch an appeal to get him a home or foster home before winter really set in.

But it wasn’t to be, sadly. He went to sleep with Sara holding him, a member of staff he knew very well and would have slipped away knowing he was loved. We’re going to miss sweet Ollie but are comforted knowing he’s now totally pain-free. R.I.P. gentle boy.

Margot

Sweet Margot was found at the side of a road 9 days previously. She had collapsed and a kind passerby took her to Black Sheep vets who gave her fluids, made her comfortable and contacted us. She was very weak and frail. They aged her to be around 19yrs old, with limited sight & hearing.  After a consultation with our vets a couple of days later it turned out she was also hyperthyroid, had a weak heart plus damaged kidneys. They prescribed medication and pain relief and we made her as comfortable as possible, gave her lots of love and tasty food. She gained a little weight and was very loving, loved cuddles and had a big purr but she clearly was very poorly. On Monday 13th October she started with seizures that just didn’t stop, was taken urgently to the vets and despite their best efforts, couldnt stop the fits, so she was put to sleep.

 

We know nothing of her history but, for the short time we knew her, she proved to be a sweet-natured and affectionate old lady. We just relieved that between two local vet surgeries and ourselves we were able to make her more comfortable and know that she was loved for the last few days of her life. R.I.P. Margot, run free and without pain.

 

 

 

Little Susie a Shih-tzu X Lhasa Apso, came into the Ark with two other dogs when their owner sadly passed away. She hadn’t made it onto the website yet as she had several health issues to be sorted out first. She was completely blind, having had both eyes surgically removed at some time in the past and was the sweetest little dog. Unfortunately, her jaw broke during a dental procedure and she had to be tube fed. She found this very difficult to tolerate and regurgitated all her food so wasn’t getting any nourishment. After consultation with the vet, it was decided the kindest thing to do was to let her go to sleep, which was done on 21st September 2025. She was 13 years old.

At least now she’s out of pain and free of the poor quality of life she was having to endure. R.I.P. sweet Susie.

Bella

What a sad week this is turning out to be. Only two days since we lost Beanie, we had to have Bella put to sleep on 3rd September. Bella, an 11 year-old SAtaffie, came to us for rehoming following the sad passing of her owner. She had started dropping weight so we changed her feeding regime fron meals twice a day to four small meals a day, but it made no difference so she went to the vets and had a heart and stomach scan. Sadly, the vet found a large frowth in her stomach which was inoperable, so it was decided to put her to sleep to avoid the inevitable pain. She was such a happy, smiley little soul and was still going on daily walks with our dog walkers, who will miss her as much as her carers. Rest in peace little Bella and we hope your much loved owner is waiting for you over the bridge.

Beanie

Beanie arrived at the Ark in September 2020 because she was said not to have settled following a house move and kept escaping. We didn’t know her age but knew she was an elderly lady and she was described as cantankerous. She develped various health conditions, including an over-active thyroid which required medication for life. So we decided to keep her as a resident cat and care for her for the rest of her life.She really was a funny old girl, so determined in everything she did and it was always her way or no way. Beanie was small but mighty, secretly liked a quick cuddle and a belly rub and had a very distinct meow that always sounded like she was telling us off or making a demand; no other meow will ever match hers! Her health issues which were managed for many years on medication and a special diet, she was partially sighted with poor hearing meaning release on site wasn’t safe so she had her own bedroom set up for her to be able to move around safely with exclusive access to a little garden which she loved, rain or shine. Beanie enjoyed snoozing and relaxing in her own company just as she liked it. Although we have no official age for Beanie we estimate she was around 20 so old age had very much caught up with her. She suddenly deteriorated very quickly and was put to sleep on 1st September 2025. What we do know is she crossed the rainbow bridge feeling and knowing she was much loved. Rest Easy Beanie The cattery doesn’t feel the same without her.

Titch

We had to say a sad goodbye to our lovely Titch  today. He came into the Ark some years ago, aged around 9 years along with another cat . He’s recently had some health problems, first developing hyperthyroidism and then needing some teeth extracted. He struggled to recover and fight infections after the dental and then needed a second dental to remove all remaining teeth. After all this, the vet discovered he had a cancewr in his mouth, so he was put to sleep on 2oth August ’25 to prevent any further pain and suffering.

Poor Titch really has been through the mill recently and had to put up with a lot of pain and discomfort. And through it all he was one of the sweetest, gentlest residents, and we’ll miss him and his unique miaow dearly. He went to sleep peacefully, purring. R.I.P. Tictch. All that pain is behind you now.

Alfie

We have had to say a final farewell to Alfie cat today, 4th August 2025. He wasn’t a well boy and although we have kept him plodding on in the hope of getting his medical needs under control, he was hyperthyroid and even with medication his levels never settled plus we suspect other things were wrong so it was decided not to put him through more tests and let him go peacefully which he did, bless him.

Alfie came to the Ark at the end of April, aged 15 years because a child in the family was highly allergic to him. He was obviously not a well cat from the start and never made it to the website for adoption as we couldn’t get on top of his various health problems. He’s now at peace and free of all his problems. R.I.P. Alfie.

Marley

What a sad week this has been. We’ve just had to say goobye to our third resident in as many days. This time it was love old boy Marley’s turn. He first came to is in 2020 and had to be returned a year ago, through no fault of his own in either case. He was a lovely boy and loved cuddles. He’d grown old (about 12years) and developed various heath issues related to his age. Then he developed a mass in his throat making it difficult to breathe. He was taken to the vet, but there was nothing to be done and we were advised to let him go to sleep. On his last morning, 16th July, he was taken around the Ark site and feasted on sausages, ginger nuts, digestive biscuits and cooked ham donated from some of his many admirers. He must have thought he was in Heaven already! He passed peacefully with one of his carers holding him and snored into oblivion, bless him.

Marley was a lovely old man and a real character, loved by everyone who knew him. We’re sure he’s now running free and pain-free over rainbow bridge and possibly doing a bit of his signature telling off!

Eamon

Only a day after Blackie had to be put to sleep, another bad day today 15th July, we’ve had to say goodbye to one of our horses:

Eamonn arrived with us two years ago in very poor condition, and after spending many years mostly stabled with very limited turnout. Since being with us he’s enjoyed his retirement out on pasture with our herd of oldies in the summer, and stabled with his best friend Martin over winter. We managed to get his weight looking much better after treating him for gastric ulcers, but sadly this year he started to drop off again, and despite our best efforts he just hasn’t improved. Eamonn was a gentle soul who left a mark on everyone here. Seeing him content and comfortable after such a hard time meant a lot to us all. We will all miss him very much but know it was his time and he can rest peacefully now. RIP big lad

Blackie

Sweet Blackie came to the Ark with her one kitten in 2016 after straying for about 6 months. She must have been an older mum of 8-9yrs as she’s thought to have now been in her late teens. Her kitten was homed but Blackie stayed with us and made her home with us at the Ark. She develped some lumps in her mouth which didn’t seem to bother her; she was eating fine, still came for fuss and was her usual happy self, so we monitored them. Recently, they started to grow, but she was still eating well and enjoyed fuss, although she started to lose some weight. Suddenly, her condition deteriorated, so she was taken to the vet today (14/07/25) and put to sleep.

Blackie was such a sweet girl, greeting staff each morning for a fuss and head boops and was also curious, thinking nothing of jumping into an accessible car for a nosy around or interfering when staff were trying to write. She’d been with us for 9 years and was a much loved member of the Ark community. R.I.P. Blackie, we’ll miss you, but are happy you’re out of pain now.

Patch

Patch came to us in November 2020 along with another cat, who was rehomed. He had always been very shy from a kitten, independent and liked the freedome to roam, so he was released on the site and chose to live in our stables. His best friend was Ollie (see below) and they hung out a lot together.

Since Ollie’s passing, Patch had been a little lack lustre and was obviously missing his friend. His appetite went down from his usual eating habits and he lost some weight. Then on 7th May he was elusive and didn’t return for his tea. When staff looked for him, he suddenly appeared so was put in the cattery where it was warm and where an eye could be kept on him. Sadly, he died in his sleep the following morning, 8th May 2025. It seemes he was ready to join Ollie. He was 12-13 years old. We’re happy he came back to say goodbye first.

Ollie

Memphis

Memphis came to the Ark some years ago for retirement, He used to be a racehorse and won his owner £70,000 in his day! Once he could no longer race he came to us to live his days out with his new friends at the Ark. Sadly he suffered a very severe colic and there was nothing the vet could do for him and he had to be put to sleep on 18th October ’24. He was about 21 years old.

Run free Memphis. You were a gentleman and will be missed.

Thomas

Thomas came to the Ark in early 2021 because his owners were moving into temporary accommodation and couldn’t take him. He’d turned up at their house as a stray 6 years earlier in a dreadful state with his collar tight under his armpit, causing a wound that had never completely healed. Once he’d been at the Ark for a while he was released on the site and could often be seen around the place. He had his grumpy moments and liked to be left to do his own thing, but equally would come to people if he wanted some fuss or was hungry.

Sadly he developed kidney problems which progressed to kidney failure and we knew his time had come, He was put to sleep on the 14th October 2024. He was thought to be 14/15 years when he came to us so must have been 18 or even 19 years old when he died. R.I.P. Thomas, we’ll miss you.

Kia

Kia came to the Ark in September ’15, aged 11 years. She was a very frightened girl , but was much happier once she was released onto the site to live with the other free-roaming cats. Recently, we noticed she was losing weight and the vet found a mass in her stomach but, as she seemed happy and was eating well, advised we wait until things changed. Once she stopped eating we took her back to the vet, who agreed that her time had come. She was put to sleep on 30th April ’24. Based on her age when she came to us, she must have been around 20 years old.

Run free now Kia! There’s no reason to be scared of anything again.

Tiny

Tiny came into the Ark with her mum in September ’22. Her mum, Lola, was adopted, but poor Tiny never found her forever home, as she was our longest-serving resident. She unfortunately developed mammary masses and was taken to the vets. she was examined under sedation and the prognosis was poor, so it was decided not to wake her up. She snored her way over Rainbow Bridge! She was only 8 years old. Sadly, we’d just heard that her mum had also died recently.

We all loved Tiny and did everything to find her a new home while she was with us, but it wasn’t to be. She was happy at the Ark though and got lots of attention, especially from our team of dog walkers, who always had time for cuddles and walks.  Everybody has felt her passing and there were more than a few tears shed at the Ark on 3rd April. R.I.P. Tiny and we hope your mum was at the bridge to meet you.

Evita

Extremely sad day for us all today, 28th March ’24. Our longest standing resident, Evita, has crossed the rainbow bridge. Her body could not go on any longer, even though she was still her determined and spirited self in her head. It was the most difficult decision for us all to make but we knew it was her time. She has lived out her retirement with us for the last 10 years, after being rescued. She was once a successful polo pony, but after breaking her knee she was no longer a ‘use’ and ended up in a neglected state, skinny and riddled with lice. She was scared and very head shy, but over time her sweet, quirky personality started to blossom. We have so many fond memories of Evita, her constant nickering at us and her demanding self! She made us all laugh by kicking stable doors and telling the other horses off, or trying to run everywhere like a youngster! She really was like a mischievous and opinionated old woman! But most of all she was so loving and affectionate, and a favourite of all of us here at the Ark. She will be missed but absolutely never forgotten. Run free with your old friends beautiful girl.

Molly

Molly came into the Ark with her sister Sophia and they’d been looking for a home together. Sadly, Molly took ill on 10th March and was taken to the vets on 11th and found to have a mass in her mouth so was put to sleep. Poor Sophia has lost her best friend and is now looking for a home on her own. R.I.P sweet Molly.

Tango

Kulfi

Beautiful Kulfi, the Snow Bengal had to be put to sleep on 2nd February ’24. She started with an ear problem and was being treated by the vet, who was concerned she may have a growth. Then she started losing weight and became increasingly ill. After discussion with the vet, it was reluctantly decided that the time had come to let her go to sleep. R.I.P. sweet girl. Sadly, there were several people happy to offer her a home once her health problems had been sorted.

Teazel & Bruce

This week has been a sad one in the cattery as we’ve lost two of our old, long-term residents. TEAZEL, on the left, developed a head tilt and her weight had gone down massively. At the vets it was discovered she had a thyroid mass and, as she had a serious heart murmur, wasn’t considered to be suitable for surgery, so it was agreed with the vet that it was kinder to put her to sleep on Tuesday 2nd January ’24.

On Thursday 4th January BRUCE, on the right, paid a visit to the vet and didn’t come home. He. too had been off colour and went to the vets for a scan under sedation. He was found to have a very enlarged heart and a lot of fluid round his heart. He also needed a dental, which wasn’t feasible given his heart condition. After discussion with the vet ir was decided to let him stay asleep rather than bring him round to then go into heart failure.

So we’ve had a sad start to 2024, losing two of our long-term favourites. They’ll be missed by all who knew them, but are hopefully now both are happy, and pain and carefree over Rainbow bridge. R.I.P. sweet friends.

Poggins

Poggins first came to the Ark in 2015, was rehomed and had to be returned in 2018 when her owner sadly died and has been with us ever since. In recent times she’s had persistent diarhoea and has been backwards and forwards to the vets numerous times with no real improvement. When she started vomiting as well it was decided that she’d reached the end of the road and she was put to sleep on Friday 29th September 2023. She was around 17 years old.

She was an independent girl who didn’t like a lot of fuss and had been released onto the site when it was thought she was unlikely to be adopted again. Let’s hope she’s now enjoying her independence over Rainbow Bridge. R.I.P. Poggins.

Penny

Penny came in with her best friend Parker when their owner sadly died. She had an eye condition which was recently operated on to improve her quaslity of life. She went to the vet on 7th July for a check up and the vet found a large mass in her stomach so she was put to sleep before it caused her any suffering. She leaves behind Parker who will be missing her so much. A sad day for him and all at the Ark who had got to know and love this sweet girl.

Tank

Tank came into the Ark last year, was adopted and then sadly had to come back when his new owner suddenly passed away. He was found by staff fitting on the morning of Wednesday 15th February, taken to the vets straight away but had more fits en route. The vet thought it was his heart and advised he be put to sleep straight away.

At 10 years, he wasn’t a bad age for such a large dog, but it’s always sad to lose one of our own and in such circumstances. R.I.P. lovely Tank.

Candy

Candy came to the Ark almost 5 years ago at the age of 12 years. She used to be an inhand show pony but had developed severe laminitis that had caused her pedal bone to rotate to the point that it would never improve, We kept her comfortable with special shoes lined with pads, but after increasing flare-up of the laminaitis we could no longer control the pain. Over the last week she has deteriorated rapidly and we wer left with no choice but to euthanise her on 6th February. At least now she’s no longer in pain.

Issac

Issac first came to the Ark as a stray aged 6 months and deaf, probably from birth. He was rehomed but returned 8 years later in 2015 following the death of his owner. She’d had dementia and he’d led an isolted, unsocialised life and, whilst a loving boy on a strictly one to one basis, couldn’t cope with a second person in his “family” and would bit to get rid of them. He didn’t mind who his human companion was as long as there was only one of them at a time.

He was very overweight when he came back to us due to too much food and no exercise, so inevitably, despite us getting his weight down, he developed arthritis in his back legs, which progressed over the years. Medication helped slow it down, but it caught up with him in the end, and when he couldn’t get up onto his legs on the morning of 23rd November 2022, we knew his time had come for his last trip to the vets. Emma took him and he fell asleep peacefully with his head on her knees while she held his paw and tickled his tummy.

The Ark lost an old friend when we lost him. Despite his unpredictable behaviour, he was loved by everyone and nobody loved him more than Doreen, his surrogate mum who has visited and spoiled him over recent years, often taking him home for a few hours. He was 15 so he did well, and we’ll all miss him, but have to be thankful that he’s now outof pain. R.I.P. lovely Issac.

Phoebe

14 year-old Phoebe only came into the Arkin August following the sad death of her owner. This week she had some dirrhoea and today, 5th October, she stopped eating, so was taken to the vet. Sadly, the vet found a large mass in her abdomen which was growing aggressively. As she was already showing unpleasant symptoms and wouldn’t have survived much longer she was put to sleep. She slipped away peacefully and calmly so was ready to go. R.I.P.sweet Phoebe.

Holly

We sadly lost Holly today 27th September ’22. She’d been with us for 12 years when her owner could no longer afford to keep her. She had the best of everythin and loved being bathered or showered in spring and summer but sadly today was her time . She was 28 years old .She ll be sadly missed by all the staff and her best friends Amy and Candy who both both said thier goodbyes with dignity.

Oscar

Oscar came to the Ark in September ’21. He’d recently been diagnosed with epilepsy after which his behaviour had become unpredictable although he was always well-behaved at the Ark. We managed to rehome him but he developed resource garding so was returned and we decided to keep him at the Ark as a permanent resident. He developed arthritis and, eventually had a mass on his spine. He was on maximum pain relieve but when he stopped eating, we decided his time had come and he was put to sleep on 7th September ’22.

His behaviour at the Ark was never a problem and he was much loved by staff and dog walkers but we did the kindest thing for him and can comfort ourselves that he’s now pain-free. R.I.P. sweet Oscar.

Ben

Lovely Ben came to us in June of this year when his owner was made homeless and the RSPCA wouldn’t take Ben back. Sadly on 15th August 2022 he was found pale and listless. He went straight to the vets and scanned and was found to have a mass on his spleen which had burst and it had bled into his abdomen, so he was put to sleep straight away with one of his carers with him.

Ben had attracted little interest from prospective adopters and we couldn’t understand why as he was such a lovely boy. But he’s at peace now and out of pain. R.I.P. lovely boy.

Travis

Today 26th May 2022, Travis had to be put to sleep. A grand old man of 30 years and a gentleman, he’s been a pleasure for the staff to know and look after. Sadly, his body was slowly shutting down  and it was the kindest thing we could do for him.

Saying goodby to him  was very sad for his carers but now he can run free and, who knows, be with his old owner. R.I.P. old man.

Ferdie

Ferdie only came into the Ark a few weeks ago because he wasn’t getting on with the other cat in his home. He was an elderly boy, patially blind, partially deaf and not good on his back legs. He went to the vet to be neutered and they discovered he had a growth, which was removed and sent to the lab for tests. It proved to be a rare and very aggressive cancer and was already growing back, so it was sadly decided to put him to sleep on 26th April. Although he’d only been with us since the beginning of the month we’re always sad when we lose an animal, but we know we made the right decision for this boy.R.I.P. Ferdie.

Oliver

Oliver first came to the Ark as an elderly cat in 2018 but was sadly returned in January 2022 due the ill-health of his owner, aged 18 years. It quickly became obvious he wasn’t well and was seen by the vets and various tests were run. Sadly, the results didn’t paint a very happy picture and not only was he very old, but also a very sick old man with various problems, so it was decided to put him to sleep to prevent any further suffering. The poor old boy didn’t get the chance of going to another loving home but he was given lots of love and care during hs short stay at the Ark. R.I.P. old man.

Camby

Bengal Camby has been in the Ark a couple of times and had become a permanent resident. He’d been poorly with diarhhoea and off his food and was generally not himself so was admitted to the vets for tests. Tests showed a severe case of pancreatitis and along with other health problems making treatment difficult, and the fact that it’s a very painful, often recurring condition, it was decided to put him to sleep on 12th January’22.

He was a very vocal and affectionate boy and a real character, so will be missed by everyone. But at least now he has no more pain and will return to the Ark where hs ashes will be scattered. R.I.P Camby.

Toby

Toby came to the Ark in August ’21 when his owner’s circumstances changed and meant they could no longer keep him. At 13 1/2 years old and with Cushing’s disease, he was difficult to rehome, so has had little interest. Sadly, just after Christmas, he suffered a stroke and has had to be put to sleep. It would have been lovely to find him him a loving retirement home for his last months but unfortunately it wasn’t to be. R.I.P. Toby.

Abby

Sadly, we had to say goodbye to Abby on 23rd December 2021. She’d been suffering from lymphangitis for weeks now. We’d tried everything possible to get her better but at 28 yrs her body just couldn’t fight it off.

She’d been with us for 5 years since her owner lost her field and grazing. She was quite set in her ways and liked routine, as befits and older lady, and liked to pal up with other horses. She” be missed by both human and equine friends. Rest now Abby, we love you.

Baghera

On the morning of Friday 15th October Baghera was run over and killed by a speeding motorist just outside the Ark. Baghera was one of our resident cats and has been with us for some years and isn’t the first cat we’ve lost just outside our gates, (or in one case, inside the gates). Unfortunately people don’t slow down when they see the signs for the Ark. With seal season and thousands of cars expected past our gates, please slow down and give our cats a chance! R.I.P. Baghera, we’ll miss you.

Billy

Today (20/09/21) we lost our remaining goat, Billy. He came to the Ark from Rushmoor Country Park in 2008 and was a favourite amongst many visitors as well as staff and volunteers. He was a real character. He was ill back in July but rallied. However, today wasn’t his lucky day and this time the vet couldn’t save him so we opted for a more dignified death by putting him out of his pain. He had an intestinal obstruction.

There have almost always been goats at the Ark so it will feel very strange without him. He’s to be buried at the Ark but his soul will be joining those of his friends, Spirit and Magic, over Rainbow Bridge. R.I.P. Billy.

Boo Boo

Boo Boo came into the Ark with her companion Toffee when their owner was admitted to hospital for long-term care. She was diagnosed with mammary tumours but seemed well so came home to the Ark for end of life care. On 24th June 2021 the tumours were beginning to ulcerate and her breathing was becoming laboured so she was taken straight to the vets and put to sleep to prevent suffering.She was 14. She was a quiet cat and no trouble and can now rest in peace. Toffee, aged 15, now has a home to go to so will be able to spend the rest of his life in a loving home.

Magic

Magic appeared as a complete surprise on 6th February 2010. We didn’t even know her mum, (a new arrival at the Ark), was pregnant, so we called the kid Magic. She’s lived at the Ark ever since with her mum and Billy and latterly just with Billy after her mum died. Sadly, staff arrived at work on the morning of Monday 21st june 2021 to find that Magic had died overnight. So poor Billy is on his own now. Goats like the company of their own kind, so we’ll be watching him closely although he seems quite phlegmatic about Magic’s loss so far.

Everyone at the Ark will miss our home-grown Magic. She well and truly lived up to her name by appearing overnight as if by magic and passing away in much the same way. R.I.P. Magic.

Misty

The horse staff arrived at work on the morning of Sunday 23rd May to find that Misty was down, gasping for breath and unresponsive. The vet was called immediately but by the time her got there, there was sadly nothing he  could do to save her. She’d been fine the previous day but developed colic during the night. What made it doubly sad was that Misty was best friend and guide to our blind horse, Annie, so she has lost an important companion. They shared a stable and Annie spent the night by Misty’s side until help came.

Misty will be missed but by none more than Annie.

Georgie

Sadly, Georgie Girl had to be put to sleep today, 10th April 2021 as she had a twisted gut. At 29 years old, there was nothing to be done to put it right.

A loving, gentle mare, she came to us to retire after her show-jumping careeer ended following injury. She had a happy retirement with us, and was put to sleep with real dignity, with people she knew and able to see of some of her friends in an adjoining field. R.I.P. Georgie.

Little Fella

Little Fella came to us in October 2017 from a vet surgery, having been found straying at the Beachcomber campsite. They neutered, virus tested and flea and worm-treated him and asked us to take him. He was quite feral in behaviour, attacking any human who came within striking distance. The plan was to give him time to settle in and then release him onto the site.But Little Fella had different ideas and installed himself in the staff room and has stayed there ever since. He warmed gradually towards people but couldn’t be completely trusted, got on ok with cats but hated dogs with a vengeance and dogs would only go near him once!

He’d recently had a dental so, when he developed a swelling on his face, we thought it was due to that. He went to the vets and was found to have an aggressive cancer in his mouth so was put to sleep straight away on 3rd March 2021. We don’t know his age but he must have been well into his teens. Ever since his arrival in 2017, Little Fella has been a part of the Ark, never straying far from his main base, the staff room, so he’s going to missed by everybody. R.I.P. Little Fella.

Whispa

Whispa came into the Ark with her companion Patch when their owners’ relationship broke down. She was very timid and spent a lot of her time at the Ark hiding. She was found collapsed and taken to the vet who found an abdominal mass as well as well as swollen lymph nodes and diagnosed probable lymphoma, so she was put to sleep today 26th February 2021. She was so shy, bless her, and had apparently been so since being a kitten and would have been more content in a home, but sadly it wasn’t to be. Patch will miss her company.

Sooty

Sooty only came in to the Ark in October, having been brought in as a stray. She was found to have hyperthyroidism and was put on medication but seemed otherwise well for her age. Sadly, this morning, 4th December, she was found collaped with cold and useless back legs. She was wrapped up warmly and taken to the vets and our worst fears were proved right – she’d had a thrombosis on her spine and had to be put to sleep. She would have been 15 in February.

She was such a friendly cat and loved being around people and we really wanted a loving, warm home for her in time for Christmas, but it wasn’t to be. R.I.P. sweet Sooty.

Sugar

Sugar came into the Ark in May 2019 because she kept scratching her elderly owner and making her fragile skin bleed. Sadly she caught cat flu and had to be admitted to the vets due to he age. Unfortunately, she didn’t recover, stopped eating and had severe breathing difficulties so it was agreed to put her to sleep on 16th August ’20. She was 16years old. She was the typical “naughty tortie” but was very affectionate too and is much missed in the cattery.

Petra

Petra was found dumped outside the Ark in a box with her kittens who were only about two weeks old, back in April 2011. She was quite an affectionate girl and, once she’d weaned her kittens and been spayed, was rehomed, but didn’t settle and was unhappy in a confined space, so when she suddenly freaked out, she was returned to the Ark and has remained with us ever since, being free to roam the site and surrounding fields during the day.

Sadly, a growth was found in her ear and, due to the confined space where it was growing, was likely to cause her great pain, so she was put to sleep before that happened on 6th July ’20. She’d been a part of the Ark for nine years and will be missed, especially by those who looked after her. She’s been brought back to the Ark for her final resting place.

Polly

Sadly, Polly was put to sleep today 9th January ’20. She was an old girl who had developed high pressure behind her eyes and was in a lot of pain, no longer having any quality of life. She was feral and impossible to administer eye drops so it was decided, on discussion with the vet, that it was  kinder to put her to sleep than distree her further by forcing her to have the drops put in.

She was temperamental and not an affectionate girl but has been a part of the Ark scene for quite a few years now, so will be missed around the place. And now we know she’s no longer in pain which is a comfort.

Fizz

It is with great sadness that we report the sudden and traumatic death of Fizz on 21st November ’19. She was run over and died instantly on the Ark site in front of Emma, her main carer, who simply couldn’t get to her in time to save her.

Fizz came to the Ark in 2007 as a feral kitten so was 12 years old. She was initially a stables mouser with her brother Popeye, but moved to the staffroom when he died and, sometimes shared the office with Cooper. She liked to pal up with another cat and had paired up with George, another permanent resident, and the two were devoted to each other. We allowed George to say goodbye to her in the hope he would sense she had gone. Her ashes will be coming back to the Ark, the only home she has ever known.

Fizz, and usually George, was always to be seen around the Ark and we’ll all miss her, but particularly Emma, who loves all her cats with a passion.

Thumper

Thumper came in to the Ark when he’d been abandoned by his owner with a friend who was allergic to him. He arrived underweight and unable to eat due to overgrown teeth so was taken to the vets urgently to have his teeth trimmed, which had a dramatic result to his eating and he’d started to gain weight.

However, the vets needed him back for a dental and he went in on 18th November but sadly died under anaesthetic. He was only about 4 months old and would have made a lovely pet.

Cooper

Cooper came to the Ark as a stray in 2014 and had to have his teeth removed due to an old injury to his mouth and jaw, probably from being hit by a car. He quickly took up residence in the office, earning the title of Asbo Cat as visitors liked to stroke him but he didn’t like being stroked and would strike ot at anybody who got too close. We had to put notices up to warn visitors not to touch him. He also learned which staff and volunteers would share their lunch with him and stick with them until they gave him titbits. Having no teeth was no impediment to Cooper!

Sadly, it became obvious he wasn’t well and that his abdomen was filling with fluid, probably from a growth. We knew, when we took him to the vets, the vet would advise us to put him to sleep and that’s exactly what happened on 18th September. He was a bad lad but we loved him and his feisty nature and the office won’t be the same without him. He’s left a vacancy of office cat to be filled and will be sorely missed by all at the Ark as well as many of our visitors.

Elsa

It was a sad day in the cattery today (15th Aug ’19). Elsa, who came to us in November ’17 following a road traffic accident sadly had to be put to sleep. She suffered nerve damage following the accident, had her tail amputated and didn’t have complete bladder control, which made it difficult for her owners with a toddler in the house.

She was such a friendly cat so full of character and loved her life at the Ark once we were able to release her onto the site during the day. She loved keeping an eye on all activities and poking her nose in to see what people were doing. Sadly, last autumn she was diagnosed with a mammary tumour. It was removed but found to be aggressive and the vet assured us it would return and suggested she would only have a few months left. We moved her into the cattery so we could keep a close eye on her and to make sure she would be around when the time came that she needed our help. That time came this week when it was noticed that the tumour had returned and was growing rapidly. So she was taken to to the vet one last time and put to sleep being held by a familiar member of staff.

She’s now back at the Ark and buried in the garden. We’ll miss her running to greet us in the cattery and rolling onto her back to have her tummy tickled. She was only 6 years old but has packed a lot of trauma into her short life. R.I.P. Elsa.

Toffee

Rest in peace little Toffee . Toffee came to the Ark 5 years ago, known for his grumpy awkward behaviour, often rearing for the farrier and dentist. He loved to bite you whenever you tried to groom him. Sadly he was found down in the field at lunch time on 13th May 2019. Huge thank you to Allen Heath vets for giving him every chance but he deteriorated quickly . We will all miss the little man. Run free Toffee

Baxter

Today (10/05/19) we lost little Baxter, aged 13 years. His arthritis in his front paw had become rapidly worse and the painkillers weren’t doing the job of relieving his pain and it was so deformed. X-ray found that the arthritis was very severe and keeping him pain-free would be impossible. Also, he’d tested positive for Cushing’s disease and scans showed several masses. The vet agreed that the little man had come to the end of the road and he was put to sleep held lovingly by Sara.

We all had a soft spot for the little fellow. He’d had a lovely home for the last 10 years, having been rehomed then from the Ark, but had lost his beloved owner and his home and life hade taken a downturn. We’re comforted that he’s now no longer in pain and is once again running free.

Boysie

Boysie’s behaviour changed suddenly; having been a laid back, affectionate boy, he became grumpy and didn’t want to be handled. Within a couple of days his face changed shape so he was taken to the vets where a mass was found under his tongue which would have rapidly become very painful and prevented him eating, so he was put to sleep immediately on 2nd May 2019.

He’d been a much-loved pet until a new baby in the home developed an allergy to him but didn’t look his 14 years, was handsome and affectionate and we all loved him, so are so sorry to have lost him.  At least we know he’s been saved a lot of pain and suffering.

Pickle

It’s been a sad week in the cattery as, only a week after Tilly was put to sleep, Pickle suffered the same fate on 4th February 2019. She’d gone to the vets for a routine dental and possible extractions and, while she was under the anaesthetic, the vet decided to give her ear a good clean as she had an ear infection. They found a growth that had attached itself to her skull bone and looked an aggressive strain. The vet told us they could try and remove it by going through the skull but it was an unpleasant and invasive procedure and the growth would almost certainly grow back quite quickly, so it was decided not to wake her up.

Pickle had only been with us a short while  following the sad death of her owner and were merely getting her fit and ready for adoption. She was 10 years old. Hopefully she and her owner are now reunited over Rainbow Bridge.

Tilly

Tilly came to the Ark back in 2013, aged 10 years. She’d been rehomed by us previously but her owner had gone into a home and the family requested she stay with us as a permanent resident. So she was a regular sight around the Ark, never straying far from the secret cat garden and cat chalet where she lived.

She went to the vets for a check up as she’d been having some diarrhoea that didn’t clear up and was kept in for tests. They found a large mass in her abdomen which was cancerous and she was put to sleep on Monday 28th January 2019 to save her certain pain. We miss seeing her around the place but it was the kindest decision for Tilly.

Fynn

Sweet-natured Fynn came to the Ark in 2017 when her owner had only a month to find somewhere for her or she’d be put to sleep. She had Cushing’s disease and was prone to laminitis but neither of these caused her demise. She developed colic and had to be put to sleep on Wednesday 9th January 2019. Her best friend Toffee stayed by her side all day until the vet came.

Only an hour or two after her death she featured on the One Show report about the Ark and our noise abatement order. Quite a way to say goodbye to this world but very bitter sweet for all at the Ark who loved her.

Charlie

15 year-old Charlie came to the Ark in November ’18 when his family was moving abroad and the vet had advised against Charlie travelling. He had a history of , so this was agreed and he died peacefully on crystals in his urine when stressed so we expected initial problems. Sure enough he developed cystitis but no crystals so was treated with antibiotics. He didn’t respond to treatment so returned to the vets and a bladder stone was removed, but the vet also found a cancerous growth in his bladder and the nature of it was such that the vet advised not waking him up from the operation, which was agreed and he died peacefully on 8th December.

He hadn’t been with us long but proved to be such a lovable, talkative cat that he melted our hearts straight away. He loved nothing more than than human attention and would demand it if anybody was nearby so we found ourselves regularly stopping by him to give him a fuss. he knew nothing of his illness, or of his passing and and we’re so pleased that he didn’t reach the stage of feeling any pain.

Scooby

Scooby came to the Ark on 30th March this year due to the ill-health of his owner. He had a few issues due to abuse in a former home but was a loving boy. Recently he started losing weight despite increased feeds and had investigations at the vets to try and find out what was wrong but nothing was found. However, we felt he was deteriorating and took him back to the vets where he was diagnosed to be in heart failure. The vet also suspected he had a mass on his lung, but his heart condition meant he would not survive the light anaesthetic required for an X-ray to confirm this. So it was agreed to put him to sleep which was done on 11th October 2018.

Scooby was a favourite amongst staff and volunteers at the Ark and, sad as we are at his loss, we’re all relieved that he’s no longer suffering He was 13 years old and would definitely had suffered so much more had we waited any longer. Run free now Scoob!.

Lizzie

Lizzie came to the Ark in December 2012. Her owners were moving into a flat and had searched for a rescue centre that would take her and not confine her, travelling up from the South Coast to bring her to us. Lizzie was a Bengal cross of around 5 years old and had been in a road accident about a year before, leaving her incontinent and needing her bladder expressed twice a day to keep her dry. She was a lovely friendly cat, who liked to be outside, especially if it was sunny, so after a period in a cage acclimatising she was released and lived with our other permanent residents in the cat cabin.

She never went far and was frequently seen just sunning herself in the cat garden or nearby, never far away at teatine, after which she was safely tucked up in the cat cabin till after breakfast. So we were surprised when on day she didn’t turn up for tea. Sadly, despite extensive searching we came to the conclusion she probably wouldn’t come back and so far that has been the case. We all loved Lizzie and so did many of our regular visitors, some even sponsoring her keep. Her former family were understandably very sad to hear she was missing as they did everything in their power to get her right after the accident and have asked to add that she was much loved by many people, and that it took the efforts of many to give her a second chance at life after her accident. 

Wherever she is, we hope she’s happy and being looked after.

Sam

Sam came into the ark because he kept scratching and biting his owner and spent the rest of his days with us.he used to patrol in and around the office but more recently has spent time living free in one of the catteries. He went to the vets for a dental but during examination it was discovered he had a mass in his stomach, so was pit to sleep on 20th June 2018.

He was always somewhat feisty although had mellowed a bit of late and we’d noticed he was looking old. He must have been approaching 18 years when he died. We all loved him despite his unpredictable nature and it seems strange not seeing him around the Ark. Rest in peace Sam.

Tye

Tye came to the Ark back in January this year fro rehoming from another rescue where he’d been as an unclaimed stray. We immediately noticed stiffness in his hips and he was put on pain and anti-inflammatory medication along with rest and then gentle exercise. But sadly it gradually got worse and he collapsed on his back legs. The vet prescribed a week’s cage rest along with his medication.but he kept collapsing so was sadly put to sleep on 31st May 2018.

Poor Tye never got the chance of that elusive home for his retirement, which is always sad, but hopefully he’s now out of pain and running free.

Oscar

Oscar was found on Sunday 20th May 2018 by a member of staff haemorrhaging from his face. He was taken straight to the vets and was put to sleep immediately as the vet diagnosed a brain tumour which had ruptured.

He’d been at the Ark for a long time, was free-roaming on the site and was estimated to be at least 19 years old. It was a big shock for everybody who knew him, but particularly upsetting for the staff on duty that day. At least now he’s free of what must have been an unpleasant experience for him.

Skyla

12 year old Skyla came into the Ark with her best friend Tilly for rehoming. We noticed shed started dribbling and her teeth looked as if they needed attention so she was booked in for a dental on 26th April. Sadly, on close examination it was found she had two cancerous growths in her mouth. she was obviously already feeling uncomfortable and the cancer was too large to treat, so she was put to sleep immediately on the vet’s advice.

Skyla is out of pain now, but her best friend faces a more lonely future until we can find a home for her. let’s hope it’s soon.

Tinkerbell, Popeye and Prince

A bad week at the Ark. First of all Popeye who collapsed in heart failure. Unfortunately, he was so feral we couldn’t get near him with any regular medication, so the vet advised euthanasia and he was put to sleep on 14th November. We couldn’t even get photos of him. Below are a couple snatched with his siblings when he was too comfy to move!

Next came Tinkerbell, a small grey semi-feral female who has lived at the Ark for all of her 14 years was found collapsed and panting and taken to the vet straight away. She was deteriorating all the time and the vet suspected a brain tumour so she was put to sleep on 15th November.

And last but not least, Prince, one of our 7 year old Chinchillas who needed dentals every two months or he couldn’t east and lost weight. He wasn’t due for one but wasn’t eating so went the vets where he died , also on 15th November. His brother Rocko, who had lived with him all their lives was luckily adopted by a Chinchilla enthusiast who had just lost his.

All this only days after losing Harry (below). Rest in peace little ones.

Harry

Harry only came to us a few months ago to retire. He was a 28 year old Irish Draft chestnut, a real gentleman and quickly came to be loved by all who knew him. Sadly, this morning, Saturday 4th November, he developed colic. The vet was called immediately but efforts to save him failed and he sadly died.

Today is a sad day at the Ark as we mourn his loss and hope he’s now running free and without pain.

Stella

12 year old Stella had only been with us just over a week, having come from another rescue where she’d been taken as a stray and was due to be put to sleep. It was immediately obvious that her back legs weren’t good and she was put on an anti-inflammatory painkiller but she was a beautiful-natured dog, so calm and loving, that we felt she deserved the chance of a loving retirement home for what time she had left after her recent bad luck. But she stopped eating so was taken to the vets who advised euthanasia as her back legs were n very poor condition and she’d lost interest in life. So lovely Stella was put to sleep after all but this time with somebody familiar with her who cared about what was best for her. At least she’s no longer in pain.

Spirit

spirit came to the Ark along with Billy about 8-9 years ago from Rushmoor Country Park after we’d lost our elderly goats.She must have been around 3 years then and a about three months later in February 2009 produced completely by surprise her daughter Magic. She must have been pregnant on arrival unknown to us. All three goats have been a feature of the Ark over the last 8 years.

Sadly Spirit has been a little off colour recently but always recovered. However, she didn’t run over for an appler offered to her, was knocked over by the other two and didn’t get up. The vet was called and, although she got up again, was still very wobbly. She was bloated and full of gas and the vet said that, although she could put a tube in and remove the gas, at her age (11 years) it wasn’t fair. There was some possibility of a growth too but this couldn’t be confirmed due to the bloating. The vet advised euthanasia as the kindes option so she was put to sleep quickly and calmly on 18th May 2017. She has been buries at the Ark.

Big Bertha

Big Bertha came to the ark after she was found hopping along a busy road. She wasn’t the friendliest rabbit and was difficult to handle but she fell in love with Henry, one of our other rescue rabbits and the pair were moved intogether and became permanent residents.She was very protective of Henry and would snuggle up with one of those enormous ears over his back.

Sadly we found Bertha dead in her hutch on the morning of 30th March ’17. She hadn’t shown any sign of illness. Sh’s being cremated and her ashes brought back to the Ark  and we’re hoping to bond Henry with Joan, our only female rabbit at the moment..

Penny

Penny just turned up at the Ark a few years ago and has stayed ever since. We became concerned about her behaviour a while ago and she was found to have a very high blood pressure so had to goon permanent medication which has kept it stable since.

She’s been fine until this afternoon (28th February 2017) when it was noticed she had a very large tummy at feeding time. She was taken to the vet straight away and they thought she had a ruptured tumour so she was put to sleep straight straight away.

The quick-thinking and action of staff have prevented any pain she may have had to be very short-lived and she was put to sleep before she really suffered which she would certainly have done if left. Penny knew what she was doing when she walked into the Ark that day and has now three times got the help she needed from us.

Bubble

Bubble came in with his brother George after the pair of them were said to have ganged up and killed two rabbits! Sadly Bubble became ill and was taken to the vet who diagnosed kidney and liver problems. As it was likely he was in considerable pain he was put to sleep on 22nd February 2017.He was only 2-3 years old but is now pain-free.

Suzy

Suzy was found straying for some time on one of the local caravan sites with a nasty skin allergy and brought to the Ark. She was elderly but we didn’t know her exact age or where she came from. She was rehomed but had to be returned as she was too scared of the child in the family so needed a very quiet home and seemed to have happily made her home at the Ark.

She went off her food and lost weight and the vet found her to have a very high temperature as well as heavy bleeding from her bottom when he took her temperature. he felt sure she had something quite nasty going on inside and didn’t think she had any quality of life left so she was put to sleep on 29th November 2013 before she suffered any more. It’s been a sad week for the Ark as she’s the second animal we’ve had to make this sad decision for in a matter of days.

Lucy

Little Lucy, a Dachshund X Patterdale Terrier came into the Ark because her owner had gone into a care home . She was 13 years old and possibly going deaf so she must have been very confused and frightened by her change in circumstances. She was quickly offered a home but she had a sore on her neck we wanted investigating first. She’d always hated the vets so was like a little spitfire there, making it very difficult to examine her, but a lump was found which was to be removed under anaesthetic.

Sadly the lump proved to be not only malignant, but the cancer had spread throughout her body so we had to make the decision to let her go to prevent further suffering and she fell asleep on 24th November 2014. How sad that she didn’t get to leave the Ark and spend some quality time in her new home, but it wasn’t to be. At least now she’s pain-free and at peace.

Moomin

Moomin came to the Ark in June 2013, then around 10 years old. He’d been an outside cat but, as he hadn’t been adopted, we wanted him to have a bit of warmth during the winter months as he was getting older and he happily became our stable cat and he’s been there ever since.

However, it was noticed he was behaving oddly, so he was put in our isolation area so an eye could be kept on him and he was found collapsed on 19th October and taken to the vets straight away. He was in heart failure and comatose so was put to sleep to prevent any further suffering. Not many people saw Moomin as he was up in the stable area but he lived out his life doing what he liked best.

Maggie

Maggie only came into the Ark about 6 weeks ago due to the ill-health of her owner. At 18 years and not in the best of health herself we knew she was likely to end her days with us. Last week she stopped eating and the vet decided she’d come to the end of the road so she was put to sleep on 23rd September. 2016. It’s a shame she couldn’t have stayed in her own home for those extra weeks but it wasn’t to be. Sleep tight Maggie.

Cody

It’s with the greatest of sadness we had to let Cody go on 2nd August 2016. He’d come back to us with a very bad intestinal infection and spent much of the time since in the vets. There were times when we thought he would make it and others when we felt sure we would lose him. In the end, he lost the battle. He had many followers, all rooting for him to recover and all will be sad at this news. He had a loving home to go to so his future was bright, but tragically it wasn’t to be. Our thanks to Mike and all the staff at Eastfield vets who fought so hard to save him.

Run free now, little man.

Ted

It it with deep regret to inform all Ark supporters that we have let Ted go to sleep . His battle with his arthritis became too much. The anti-inflammatoriess gave him an upset stomach and without them he had no quality of life . He went to sleep in Sue’s arms and with great dignity. We will all miss our gentleman who helped so many homeless dogs, being a grandad to them. Run free Ted x x x

Prince

Prince came to the Ark when he was around 6 years old. He’d been a stray for some time and was semi-feral and when the family that was feeding and looking out for him moved, they were worried nobody would take their place so brought him to us. He was timid and could show aggression but had generally become much more amenable to those he knew, albeit on his terms. He never went far and seemed to spend a lot of his day in the area around the feeding station and staff rest room.

He’d recently been diagnosed with kidney disease so we knew his days were numbered but hoped to maintain his quality of life for a little longer yet. But on Easter Sunday afternoon 2016 he was found collapsed by a member of staff and had sadly died of a heart attack. He was easily recognisable with his grey tabby and white colouring and had become quite a fixture around the place. On the day he died he’d become particularly friendly, searching out staff to be with and enjoying bathing in the sunshine. We’ll really miss the little man.

Freddie

Freddie came into the Ark back at the beginning of 2011 because he taken a disliking to his owner and was aggressive towards her, although fine with other family members. He was a house cat and a timid boy. On arriving at the Ark it took him months to come round but he did eventually and we let him out on the site. He’s remained very timid of strangers but has been affectionate with the staff he knew. He wasn’t keen on other cats and preferred to be a bit of a loner. We tried rehoming him twice but he was returned both times as he didn’t settle. Freddie liked life at the Ark.

Sadly, he deteriorated suddenly and when seen by the vet, was found to have advanced kidney failure so was put to sleep on Friday 19th February 2016. He wasn’t an old cat so unlucky to have succumber to kidney disease so early. Staff members will miss his quiet presence , especially around the food preparation area.

Sky

Sky had only just come to us having been brought in as her owner had died. She wasn’t yet 2 years old but her hips were very bad and she was in pain. She was taken to the vets without delay and we were expecting to hear that she had hip dysplasia requiring two expensive operations, but X-rays showed it was much worse than that and that she had no hip joints at all, a result of in-breeding by an unscrupulous breeder. We had no choice but to follow the vet’s advice and put her to sleep straight away on 27th January 2016.

She was a beautiful dog with a beautiful nature and had a deep impact in the short time she was with us. It was a devastating decision to have to make. Sometimes rescue work sucks! R.I.P. to a lovely girl who will now suffer no more pain.

Murphy

Sadly, Murphy our cattery corridor cat, had to be put to sleep on Wednesday 23rd December 2015. He came to the Ark in January of this year as a permanent resident when his owners went to live abroad. He was 12 years old then.

He could be quite a grumpy boy but did form attachments to those he knew best and would allow some head stroking on his terms. He created his own rules and if they were observed and he was fine. We moved him to live in the cattery as winter approached as it was obvious he was aging and we wanted him to be kept as warm as possible. He showed signs of failing a week or so ago but nothing tangible but it was decided to take him to the vets before Christmas for a general health check as we didn’t want him suffering over the holiday when there were no vets around. He was found to be failing generally and his body closing down so, on the advice of the vet he was put to sleep to avoid further suffering.

He’d become quite a fixture at the Ark and we all stopped to speak to him and even give him a tentative stroke whenever meeting him. We’ll miss our ginger boy.

Milo

Milo, aged 2 1/2 years, came in with his brother Mickey back in May 2015 and was the shy one of the pair. But he
came out of his shell and both brothers had found homes. Sadly and far too early for a cat, little Milo passed away following a short illness.  Bless you, Milo, run free now.

Dottie

Dottie came into the Ark with her mum  Tito and two brothers Monty and Murphy  (all in their teens) when their family moved abroad. Both Tito and Monty had been rehomed and Dottie and Murphy were still waiting.

Sadly, Dottie started having fainting fits and was losing weight. Then she stopped eating and was obviously very nauseous. The vet suspected kidney failure, but felt the rapid and severe weight loss meant there would be no effective treatment for her so advised she be put to sleep rather than make her suffer more by enduring a load of tests. She gave the impression of a cat that had had enough and no longer wanted to fight. She went very peacefully on 7th October 2015 with Sue holding her.

She was a sweet-natured girl. as were the rest of her feline family, and we’ll miss seeing that moustached little face looking at us from her chair. Sweet dream Dottie.

Sox

We very sadly had to say goodbye to Sox on Friday 11th September 2015. Sox came to us in February of this year when her owner became too ill to care for her. We didn’t know how old she was except that she was very old and she was very confused and bewildered by her new environment. Eventually, she seemed to rally and take more notice of us and her surroundings and quickly became a favourite. She would accept any new dog we put in with her for company without complaint.

Over the last couple of weeks she had started having fits and her front and back legs weren’t coordinated, so she spent most of the time on her bed. When she didn’t recover properly from the fits, we knew the time was right to have her put to sleep. Sleep tight little Sox.

Bess

Sadly, our pure Fell mare had to be put to sleep yesterday, 19th August 2015. She had severe Cushings disease, was 32 years old and was struggling with her breathing. The vet was called and, in view of her old age and medical problems, advised that she be put to sleep. She went very peacefully and was ready to go, having enjoyed plenty of ginger biscuits and mints before she went.

We all loved Bess and she’ll be sadly missed, no less by her elderly owner who’d had to give her up when she couldn’t manage her, but had had her since Bess was 6 years old and had visited her when she was able.

Her very sad owner has sent the following poem in Bess’ memory:

 Boyd

Tanya

Boris

Willow

Zeus aka Baloo

Ace

Murphy

Tango

Honey

Rocky

Roger Rabbit

Roger came to the Ark from the Blue Cross. He’d been found as a stray with a tremendous head tilt due to an ear infection. The infection was treated but his head remained firmly to one side. He has to have his underneath eye removed as it kept rubbing on the ground and getting infected, but nothing slowed Roger down. He spent most of his time running free in the rabbit garden with his companion, Pandora, but when she died he went to live with Emma, one of our staff, so that he had company. He died in Emma’s arms of a massive hear attack on 11th July 2014 only days after having had a clean bill of health at the vets and his vaccinations. We all loved Roger but probably none more than Emma.

Sidney

Paris Pig

Guinness

Pandora

Albie