“I live with a disability that keeps me at home a lot of the time, so adopting Fearne from Mayhew just over three years ago helped me at a really crucial time of my life,” says Nayan. “I tell people that we rescued each other. She gets me up in the mornings and out the door when probably not much else would.”
Nayan has recurring health issues, and has found Mayhew’s Pet Refuge Programme to be a huge help to him.
Nayan with Fearne. “I tell people that we rescued each other.”
The programme provides support for vulnerable pet owners facing a personal crisis including hospitalisation, rehab, detox for alcohol and drug addiction, or even those sent to prison.
“After adopting Fearne from Mayhew, I’ve followed the charity ever since and that’s how I first heard about Pet Refuge,” explains Nayan. “At a time where my health was particularly bad, I was getting to a point where I was struggling to get out of the house, even to give Fearne walks or the love and attention that she needs, so I really needed some help. The Pet Refuge programme sounded ideal and after speaking with the Animal Welfare Officers, they offered to look after Fearne for six weeks, which was the perfect amount of time to give me a break and a chance to get my health back to where it needed to be.
Fearne was looked after by The Mayhew’s Pet Refuge programme when Nayan was unwell
“While Fearne was with Mayhew, I was really pleased that they gave her such great care and treatment, she even had a dental procedure, which is something that she had needed for a while.
“After six very long weeks being reunited with Fearne was incredible, I don’t know who was more excited. It was very special for many reasons, for me, my health was so much better, so I had more energy to enjoy the reunion.”
The charity programme meant Nayan didn’t have to give up Fearne, which is something he is so relieved about. “Mayhew’s Pet Refuge programme has been a real lifeline for me. It was brilliant that they were able to look after Fearne at such a crucial time. I hate to think what I would have had to do without it. The thought of giving up Fearne completely is horrible because we are both so happy together.”
Helping pet owners when they need it is the aim of this programme, and the charity are thrilled that they have been able to help keep Nayan and Fearne together. “It is extremely clear to see that Nayan and Fearne have this incredible bond,” Mayhew’s Animal Welfare Officer, Tania Mazzoni, said. £They would be lost without each other and that’s why it is so important that we were able to help during this crisis period and fundamentally keep them together.”
For many vulnerable people, their dog is their best friend, so Mayhew are proud to have helped keep them together and provided essential care to so many animals over the past 14 years. Click here to find out more.
