Rescue Beagle Helping to Raise Homeless Kitten During Lockdown
Boris and Duke
A former Battersea dog has been busy throughout lockdown helping to hand-rear a tiny kitten who had been left homeless.
Duke, 10, arrived at Battersea in 2016 when he was found as a stray in Guildford. The unusual-looking Beagle cross soon caught the eye of Laura Cushway, Battersea's Animal Partnerships Manager.
Laura and Duke have been fostering tiny kitten Boris over the past several weeks after he was rejected by his mother at just two days old. Thankfully, their efforts paid off – Boris thrived under their love and care and has now found a new home of his own through one of Battersea's fellow animal rescues, Feline Friends.
Duke has proven to be a caring and gentle foster father, lending a paw to help feed Boris every two hours and playing with the adventurous kitten to keep him occupied alongside Laura's other dog, Golden Retriever Belle.
Laura said: "Duke's funny faces when Boris is playing with him really make me laugh - but he's proven himself to be so paternal and gentle with such a delicate little kitten. He really shows that rescue dogs have the most wonderful personalities and have so much love to give. I rescued Duke, and now he's helping me to rescue other animals in return which is amazing!"
Battersea's campaign, 'Rescue Is Our Favourite Breed', celebrates rescue animals like Duke and Boris.
Last year, the much-loved animal charity helped over 5,000 dogs and cats across its three centres. However, like most charities, Battersea has seen a significant drop in income as a direct impact of the coronavirus pandemic, losing over £5million so far.
Now more than ever, Battersea needs support, so they can continue to be there for every dog and cat who needs their help.
Visit battersea.org.uk to find out how you can support Battersea, or join the growing community of rescue lovers by using #RescueIsMyFavouriteBreed.
Since Battersea was founded 160 years ago, we've been committed to helping every dog and cat that needs us - championing their rights, loving their imperfections and expertly caring for them. Because rescue is our favourite breed.
Battersea's new 'Rescues to the Rescue' advert launched on Saturday 18 July. It is part of the charity's wider #RescueIsMyFavouriteBreed campaign, celebrating all of the quirks and charm of rescue animals and the joy they can bring and encouraging people to think rescue first.
We're reliant on the generosity of the public to continue to fund our vital work helping dogs and cats and the people who care for them. Now more than ever, we need funds to enable us to continue to be here for every dog and cat.
Battersea directly helps over 5,000 dogs and cats across its three centres and uses its expertise, influence, and voice to help thousands more animals all over the country and across the world.
There is no time limit on how long an animal can stay at Battersea, but the average stay for a dog is 34 days and 25 days for a cat.
In addition to the site in South West London, Battersea also has two other centres based at Old Windsor, Berkshire and Brands Hatch, Kent.
To donate to Battersea, visit https://donate.battersea.org.uk.
Follow Battersea on Twitter @battersea_ or facebook.com/Battersea