A big-hearted cattery owner has set up an online network to help other cat and pet lovers cope through the coronavirus crisis.
Samantha Davis of Gyrn Cottage Cattery in Oswestry, North Shropshire set up the www.shropshirecatnetwork.co.uk as a community resource for people and their cats.
She says on her website: “My business has virtually ground to a halt in just a matter of weeks, as have many other businesses all over the country. Many people have suddenly found themselves unemployed. Many others have had to self-isolate for up to four months. It is a very scary situation. Who knew that just one cough could literally stop the world!”
But she decided to roll up her sleeves and think about what she could do to help, and came up with the idea of a Shropshire-based network to help vulnerable owners and their cats. The focus is especially on those who may live alone and are concerned about what will happen to their animals if they are taken ill.
The network will also help people and charities concerned about feeding their cats due to financial constraints and loss of income.
Samantha said: “This network idea is in the hope of getting catteries, vets, pet shops, supermarkets, rescue centres and volunteers all working together in their local area to help animals and owners in need.”
She also wants to link up with other volunteer groups and says the network concept can equally be applied to other areas and pet animals, such as dog networks.
“I’m really happy to help out anyone from another county if they with to set up a similar initiative. They can use anything from my website, the ideas, anything at all.”
