Keeping companions together longer...

Blossom and Marian
Blossom, who is 13 years old, originally arrived at Merton animal hospital, awaiting rehoming. Unfortunately she became depressed with her situation and began to shed her hair. She was sent to Burford animal adoption centre to see if that could lift her spirits. The change of scenery seemed to work and she improved greatly. Her hair stopped falling out and things took an even better turn with a potential rehoming opportunity.

Her new owner, Marian Mackie, works in The Blue Cross animal hospital in Hammersmith. She saw Lucky on the hospital's adoption page on the website and immediately fell in love with her. After taking in Lucky, Marian recalls: "She was not responding to the name Lucky so we decided to try a name which we felt summed up her personality. Hence the name Blossom."

Blossom took to her new name quickly, and soon began to show much love and affection towards her new owners. "She is a gentle little soul and still loves to be brushed," says Marian. Blossom's health has improved in her new home too. Marian says: "She is in good health and has put on weight since she has been with us. She is extremely clean and it has amazed us how nimble she is for her age. She also has a wonderful appetite!"

Blossom has regular check-ups at Hammersmith hospital, and has improved so much she no longer requires medication. She is certainly a special cat, and one Marian would not swap for the world: "Her coat still sheds a little, but it now shines whereas it was dull before. We love her to bits and lost our hearts to her when we saw her on the internet.

We don't know what we would do without her."

Bailey
Bailey is a four-year-old cross breed dog, belonging to a pensioner. In September 2006, Bailey had a frightening accident in the park, sustaining an open fracture of his ankle bones. His owner could see that his injury was serious. She was sensible enough to get help as soon as possible but needed charitable care for Bailey. Unfortunately the charity initially helping her wasn't able to cope with his injury. They thought to contact the Blue Cross, and Bailey was referred to the Blue Cross Victoria hospital.

Bailey had surgery to replace the fractured, dislocated bones, and to surgically fuse the affected joints. He needed ongoing wound care, and once he was ready to be managed at home, his owner had support from Liz Walsh, the hospital's community nurse, to check progress at home, guide and reassure his owner, and to be his transport and for all hospital visits. Liz was available at any time that his owner had concerns.

Bailey made a full recovery from his injuries, and after frame removal, has a cosmetic and fully functional leg again. Bailey thoroughly enjoyed his visits to Victoria for post-op care, and this photo was taken of him and Liz at his last check up, before he was left in the care of his very happy owner.