Although it doesn't officially open until June 2, Dogs Trust Essex has already acquired its first resident - a tabby cat!
Affectionately known to staff as "Dog the Mog", the local feline seems to have chosen the £7.4 million rescue centre as a good place to set up home.
Maria Wickes, Dogs Trust Essex Rehoming Centre manager, commented:
“One morning this skinny kitty just arrived at the gates and she has made frequent visits ever since. It is ironic that our first unofficial resident would be a cat but we are all animal lovers and we adore her, even if she meows rather than barks at us each morning!”
Staff are hoping that someone from the public will recognise her if she is a pet or local farm cat.
“She is rather feral and isn’t keen on human company unless she is being fed. So, it could be that she is simply a feral cat. Please do get in touch with us if you recognise her. Otherwise, we are very happy to welcome her to Dogs Trust Essex.”
Animal lovers across the county are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the first dogs to the state-of-the-art centre, once the building work has been completed.
Image courtesy of Dogs Trust
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
