GIVE a homeless pet a fresh start and a reason to be cheerful in 2013.

Basingstoke’s devoted registered animal charities care for all sorts of animals and they need your help. STARescue, Cats Protection and the RSPCA are full to bursting with abandoned dogs, cats, guinea pigs, mice, hamsters, rabbits and birds.   

If you can help by adopting any of the potential pets on this page, they’d be delighted to hear from you.   

Shirley King, who runs STARescue from her home, said: “In 2012, all rescue centres have seen more abandoned and unwanted animals than any previous years. There has been a much higher volume of kittens and young dogs than other years, despite the assisted neutering that is offered by all rescues.
“Many animals have gone to good homes this year, but so many are still waiting. If you feel you can offer an animal a home, or a donation of food or money towards helping feed and provide veterinary care for these animals, we would be most grateful if you got in touch.”

STARescue

Coco: This very cute young male cat has been neutered and is ready for a new home. He’s five months old and was found dumped at a shop in Basingstoke with some other kittens. His distinctive face is a result of his being a Burmese cross.     

Clarence: Clarence has been at STARescue with his sister, Nahla, for a few months, since he was born to a stray mum found in a garden. He is aged approximately seven months old and has a lovely temperament so would fit in anywhere. He can be rehomed with or without his sister.     

Gypsy and Laurie: This duo are a male and female pairing aged approximately two years old. The rabbits need a hutch with plenty of straw to bed in, and they enjoy munching on fresh vegetables. Full dietary and care advice will be given upon adoption. 

Fred and Ginger: These guinea pigs are a male and female pairing of approximately 10 months old. Fred is the darker guinea pig, whilst Ginger is ginger and white.  

Call 01256 330532 and leave your details, speaking clearly and including a contact number. Alternatively, email shirley.king860@ ntlworld.com with the same information. Full details are on the website starescue.org.uk, the Facebook page and from the charity’s shop in Basing View.

Cats Protection Basingstoke and District Branch

Susie: Susie is two years old and is a friendly girl, who came to Basingstoke’s Cats Protection branch as a stray after she had kittens in someone's garage. She's not had the best start in life, but is a gentle, good natured cat. She really deserves a loving home.

Tails and Smartie: Tails and Smartie have been together since they were kittens, and get on well, so are looking for a new home together. Tails is a five year old white/ginger boy and smartie is a five year old tortie girl. They reluctantly came into the care of Basingstoke’s Cats Protection branch after a relationship break up, and have been well loved. They are both really friendly, and like a lap to sit on.

George: George came to Basingstoke’s Cats Protection branch as a stray - a family had been feeding him, and he'd made himself quite at home! But unfortunately they were moving and couldn't take him with them. He's a lovely big friendly boy, between 8 & 10 years old. He would be suited to a new home without very young children.

If you wish to adopt a cat from Cats Protection’s Basingstoke and District Branch, email adoptacat-basingstoke@ hotmail.co.uk, telephone 0845 177 1364 or visit Basingstoke.cats.org.uk.

RSPCA Basingstoke and Andover Branch 

Bobby: Bobby is a lovely eight year old Cavalier King Charles spaniel who is happy just to have one or two short walks a day and a comfortable place to snooze. He can be left for a few hours and just quietly goes to sleep in his basket. He loves meeting new people and is good with other dogs. Although Bobby is a friendly dog, he doesn’t like to be disturbed when resting and he can be possessive over things, especially treats. He would therefore suit a home with a previous dog owner where he was the only pet. He can be homed with children over 14. Bobby has been in foster care for a very long time. Can you offer him his forever home?

Koala: This rough diamond cat came to us as a stray. He is a black and white male, roughly nine years old and is one of the most affectionate cats we have had in a while who loves to talk to you! He has some brown staining due to some treatment he is having and even though he is responding well to the treatment we are unsure if the brown staining will disappear. He likes lots of love and he purrs like an engine and would suit a family with children over the age of seven.
 

Lucy: the golden labrador cross has been in care for nearly two ½ years and was initially found in a bad condition roaming the streets. We are unable to age her any more specific than between five and 10 years old. She is very sweet and playful and she loves getting cuddles and lots of fuss and she can also be quite demanding for your attention so would suit a family where someone is at home during the day to give her the attention and cuddles she needs. She has arthritis which limits her to only short walks and as she does not like other dogs we advise that she remains on the lead.  We would love a home where she would be the only pet and she could be homed with children over the age of 10.  The RSPCA will continue to fund any existing medication for Lucy. Lucy’s ideal home would be where someone is at home during the day and a big enough garden and someone to go out and play for twice a day.  Lucy has so much love to give someone, could it be you?

Chocco and Gingy: Two Guinea pigs who are looking for a new home together as their owner is no longer able to care for them. Chocco is around 18 months old and Gingy is around six months old and they would suit a family with children over the age of five.

Call Mandy on 01256 353209 and leave a message on the answerphone or email rehoming@ rspca-basingstokeandandover.org.uk. You can find out more from the Facebook page – just search for RSPCA Basingstoke and Andover Branch.