Words by Smiley Team
Every year, the London Fire Brigade rescues hundreds of animals – many of which are much loved pets or strays.
In 2021 alone, they’ve already saved 726 animals including 331 cats and 86 dogs, as well as plenty of others – from horses to birds to goats and even snakes.
And they recently visited some of the animals they rescued, as well as dropping by Battersea Dog and Cats home to show support for their ‘Wear Blue for Rescue’ campaign.
The campaign was launched to rally animal lovers across the UK to show their support for rescue by proudly wearing a special new ‘rescue symbol’, to celebrate all that makes rescue animals so special, and help spread the word that these underdogs deserve a second chance in life.
[Discover more positive news on the Smiley Movement homepage]
Leading Firefighter, Tom O’Connor, said: “We’re delighted to be supporting Battersea’s Wear Blue for Rescue campaign. Firefighters love animals too and we are often called to assist distressed or injured animals when our specialist equipment is required.
“These animals can unfortunately sometimes be strays, so it’s a real comfort to know there are charities like Battersea that are ready to help.
“It was a real privilege to meet some of Battersea’s current residents and see the fantastic work that’s being done there by the wonderful staff and volunteers.”
The rescue dogs lucky enough to spend quality time with the firefighters included Maxwell, an eight-year-old French Bulldog who’s been at Battersea for 163 days; recent arrival Troy, a very lively six-year-old Bichon Frise; young German Shepherd pup Rose, who has a home waiting for her once she’s ready; and delicate Ragu, a four-year-old Italian Greyhound who has already gone to a loving home.
[Find out about more fundraising initiatives you can take part in on Smiley News]
As a special surprise, the visitors were also introduced to two of Battersea’s smallest, and arguably cutest, residents – a pair of three-week-old puppies that are being hand reared by one of Battersea’s many foster carers.
Anyone can get involved with the ‘Wear Blue for Rescue’ campaign, whether they own a rescue pet or not. People and their pets can show their support by proudly wearing the new Rescue symbol, whether it be on a pin badge, a t-shirt, tote bag or a pet collar tag.
To find out more about the ‘Wear Blue for Rescue’ campaign and learn how to support, visit www.battersea.org.uk/wearblueforrescue.
