Hi everyone,

In October I will be running the London Marathon to raise money for Battersea Cats and Dogs Home.  

8 years ago, our dog Pepper was found roaming the streets of London. After she was found by Battersea she struggled to find a forever home due to her underlying insecurities around different people and other animals.  

7 years ago, my family and I adopted our dog Pepper from Battersea.  Pepper was the first dog we had taken in from a rescue home and we were unsure what to expect.  

At first, she was unsure of her new home and was very wary of everything but she eventually settled down and became part of our family. Fast forward to the present day and, well, they say "It's a dog's life" for a reason! Pepper is incredibly content and happy with a daily routine exclusively consisting of sleeping, eating, walking, running, playing and, of course, a whole lot of fussing.  

We have since also rescued another dog, Daisy, from another rescue home. Again, after a period of wariness, she became comfortable around us.

2 years ago, Daisy was in a kill shelter in Romania, stuck in a cage where the marks where she was pressed up against the bars are still visible on her snout. We could only imagine what that must've been like - the uncertainty of your future and having no way to communicate anything and consequently being scared of everything.

 However, Daisy is happy now and has easily slipped into the same routine as Pepper!

If there was any way every animal could feel as content and at peace as Pepper and Daisy do on a daily basis, if only for a moment, then I think that's something we should all work to achieve.  

Without our support, Battersea and other rescue centres will not be able to provide the care they do. It is estimated there are approximately 67,000 stray dogs and 1,000,000 stray cats on UK streets. Though due to the Covid-19 epidemic this figure is likely outdated and significantly higher.  

Unfortunately, these animals are often a product of illegal and immoral breeding and careless owners. But Battersea works hard to ensure that every animal that comes into their care is well looked after and can be rehomed with an owner suitable to their needs. 

On 2nd October I will be running my heart out around the marathon to support Battersea, the work they do and all the future cats and dogs in their care who should be given a chance just as Pepper was. If you could donate and support Battersea, I, along with all the cats and dogs who need help, will be incredibly grateful.  

Thank you,  

Harry, Pepper & Daisy 

PS. If you would like to sponsor me, but are unsure on how much, please see the following points as a guide: 

£10 could help pay for special milk and food for hand-rearing orphaned puppies and kittens until they’re strong enough to feed on their own. 

£20 can help pay for home comforts such as cosy bedding and toys to help unwanted dogs and cats be comfortable and happy while waiting for a home of their own. 

£50 can help pay for medical equipment such as anaesthetics, fluids and special drugs used for life-saving operations 

£100 could provide special milk and food for hand-rearing orphaned puppies and kittens.   

£2,000 could provide clinical care for five dogs to ensure they're happy and healthy before they go to their new homes.