Good News Roundup - Friday 28th August

In these uncertain times, we’re sharing our weekly round-up of positive things happening at Battersea, as well as heartwarming dog and cat stories from the UK and beyond. We know that animals can be a great source of comfort so we hope it adds a bit of cheer to your day.

Locked-down but not out!

This week we’ve loved reading all about Stylist’s digital editor-at-large Kayleigh Dray opening her home (and her heart) to 2-year-old lurcher Dennis from our Brands Hatch centre at the beginning of lockdown.

Read all about the ups (and the occasional downs!) of welcoming an animal into your home during a global pandemic with the help of some Battersea staff going above and beyond over on the Stylist website:

https://www.stylist.co.uk/life/lockdown-rescue-dog-adoption-battersea-real-life-story/419791

Calming canines

It was one of our favourite days of the year this week: International Dog Day. Any excuse for lots of dog discussion (and pictures!) is great in our books, but the team over at Spare Room also used the day for the greater good.

After revealing that only 8% of adverts on their room-letting platform say they would ‘consider’ allowing tenants to have animals with them they have created their very own at-home guided meditation video that features lots and lots of lovely dogs.

Designed with a clinical psychologist, the five-minute video has everything from dogs playing, running, and sleeping coupled with a calming voiceover to guide you through. The company wants to raise awareness of the plight of pet owners trying to rent, something we’re also passionate about. Watch the calming video, and find out more about our campaign to make renting more pet-friendly.

Staff at Croydon care home create tasty treats for furry friends

International Dog Day is rightly a cause for celebration the world over, and we’ve really enjoyed seeing all the different ways people have chosen to mark the day. We were especially delighted to read about staff at Peony Court care home in Croydon creating homemade dog biscuits for their local shelter using one of our recipes. We hope the dogs at Croydon Animal Samaritans enjoyed their treats!

https://www.inyourarea.co.uk/news/croydon-care-home-create-tasty-treats-for-furry-friends/

Farewell feline!

It’s been purrs all round for five-year-old domestic short-hair, Derek who went home recently. He was matched with a lovely new family who tell us they have already "spent a huge amount of time admiring him" and we’re sure they will continue to do so too. We wish you all the best Derek!