Joy and Katie

Blue Cross animal hospitals offer a vital service to members of the community unable to afford private veterinary fees. One such beneficiary is pensioner Joy Waters.

Joy Waters, 85, has had many pets over the past three decades, and she remembers each of these precious friendships with affection. Animals have been an important part of Joy's life, particularly in recent years.

Joy lives in south London and over the last thirty years has adopted 14 cats and dogs in need of new homes. "My late husband and I always had pets since we moved here in 1958. I also have a budgie given to me by a man who knocked on the door; he needed to give it a home. He found it in the garden and had heard I took in stray pets."

Prize-winning pets

She has always been keen on teaching her dogs obedience and often entered them in competitions, winning many prizes. The Blue Cross animal hospital in London's Victoria helped Joy when she was seeking veterinary treatment for her pets. As she could not afford veterinary fees, she was able to receive help from the charity. "I have had five dogs that have been treated there and six cats. For me, it was a home from home as I had so many pets!"

Joy relies on the support she receives from the dedicated veterinary team at Victoria: "The Blue Cross is a lifeline for people like me. I also think the ambulance service they provide is so important; I'm not as mobile as I used to be, so any help I can get is appreciated."

Veterinary lifeline

She currently has two pets; Katie, a 15-year-old longhaired cat (pictured with Joy), and a shih tzu rescue dog called Poppy. Both pets have received vital treatment at the hospital; Katie underwent treatment for a kidney problem, and Poppy recovered in Victoria after being attacked by another dog. "The Blue Cross also looked after my pets while I was in hospital undergoing treatment for cancer. I owe them a lot because they not only helped my pets, but me at the same time," she adds.

Joy fondly recalls being a guest at the reopening of the Victoria hospital, following rebuilding, in 2001: "I met The Queen at the opening and was also there for the laying of the foundation stone. I feel part of the hospital as they have been a part of my life for over 30 years now."

Joy has cared for so many animals over the years, and there is one overriding message she has for fellow pet owners: "People have to be responsible with their pets. I have always believed that."

If you have a pet from The Blue Cross with a special story to tell, we would love to hear from you. Please send your letter and pictures to: Happy Endings, 7 Hugh Street, London, SW1V 1QG. Alternatively, email editor@bluecross.org.uk