How long have you worked at The Blue Cross?

I joined as chief executive in September 2008.

Do you have any pets?

Yes, I have three miniature Schnauzers called Hannah, Emmie and Max. I already had Hannah and Emmie before I joined The Blue Cross but I adopted Max from our Lewknor adoption centre. I saw him on the website and couldn't resist!

Tell us about The Blue Cross.

The Blue Cross is one of the UK's leading animal charities. We care for thousands of sick and homeless animals every year, funded entirely by public donations.

How did you get your name?

In the First and Second World Wars we launched a Blue Cross Fund to help animals who were injured in battle and during the Blitz. Our animal hospitals and ambulances on the battlefields were marked with a Blue Cross to distinguish them from the Red Cross for soldiers.

What kind of animals do you help?

Our adoption centres take in a wide variety of homeless animals - from hamsters to horses - while our animal hospitals and clinics treat dogs, cats and other small pets.

Why are animals given up to you?

There are many different reasons why animals are given up, often due to a change in their

owner’s circumstances. In the last few years we’ve seen lots of animals given up for financial reasons, and this year there has been a big increase in stray and abandoned pets coming in. We always urge people to contact us for advice before giving up an animal. We are here to help and will never judge you for making a responsible decision for your pet.

Why should people re-home a pet from The Blue Cross? Our experienced staff spend a lot of time getting to know our animals so they can help to match you with the perfect partner for your home and lifestyle. All our pets get a full MOT before being re-homed - they are neutered (if they’re old enough), microchipped, checked over by a vet and come with four weeks' free pet insurance.

Who is eligible for help at your animal hospitals and clinics? Our veterinary services aim to help those who need us most - people on means tested benefits or a state pension who would not be able to afford a private vet.

What issues does The Blue Cross feel strongly about? The Blue Cross has been a champion of animal welfare for over 100 years and education is at the heart of our work. At the moment we are raising awareness of the growing crisis of Staffordshire bull terriers who are being bred in

large numbers with not enough homes to go to. We are educating owners to get their Staffies neutered to prevent even more of these lovely dogs becoming homeless and unwanted.

What might people not know about The Blue Cross? We were the first charity to employ animal behaviourists. Today, we have a network of trained animal behaviour advisers at all our adoption centres who work with our animals and identify any behavioural needs. We also run a Pet Bereavement Support Service to help those who are stuggling to cope with the loss of a pet.

How can people support you?

We rely entirely on public donations so any contribution or fundraising efforts are very much appreciated. For example, my executive team and I have just completed a 26 mile trek of Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland as a fundraising challenge. Contact your local Blue Cross centre or visit our website to find out how you can get involved.

How can people find out more?

Phone 0300 790 9903, visit www.bluecross.org.uk or follow us on Facebook or Twitter to keep up with all our latest news.

◆ ContactourPetBereavementSupport Service on 0800 096 6606 or email pbssmail@bluecross.org.uk.

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