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Caring Genie crowned Cat of the Year
Evie (left) with Genie and Evie's mother, Tina Henderson,

Rescue cat honoured at National Cat Awards 2017

A cat that helped her 12-year-old owner battle bone cancer has been honoured at a special ceremony in London.

Eight-year-old Genie was crowned overall winner at the National Cat Awards 2017 for the incredible support and inspiration she provided Evie Henderson.

Evie, who was diagnosed with bone cancer in March 2016, has endured six gruelling rounds of chemotherapy, painful operations, and long hospital stays away from home.

During this time, Evie has gained strength from the bond she has with Genie, watching videos of her from her hospital bed and telling doctors that she needed to get better so that she could go home to see Genie.

When Evie started to lose her hair, she noticed that Genie’s fur was moulting and that it helped her to feel like she was not alone.

As well as being crowned overall winner, Genie also scooped the award for ‘Outstanding Rescue Cat’.

Presenting the award at a star-studded ceremony in London’s Savoy Hotel, actress Anita Dobson said: “None of us could fail to be moved by the close bond that these two share, a well-deserved win.”

Receiving her second trophy from the judges, Evie said: “I’m utterly stunned. I really can’t believe it. Genie deserves this so much. I was so happy to win our category but to win again is really amazing, incredible. It’s fabulous; I’m shocked, surprised and delighted by my cat at the same time.”

Journalist Andrew Collins, actor Paul Copley and ‘The Vamps’ musician James McVey were among the celebrities that attended the awards ceremony, organised by Cats Protection.

Other worthy winners on the night included:

  • Pixie - winner of Hero Cat - who alerted a sleeping couple to their toddler who was choking in her cot
  • Tilly - winner of Most Caring Cat - who helps her owner cope with an agonising medical condition
  • Spike - Winner of PURINA Better Together - who helps his owner cope with a debilitating disease
  • Mittens - winner of Furr-ever Friends - who helps a young girl with autism cope with a serious medical condition.

Image (C) Fabio De Paola.

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.