downsmail.co.uk


Fred would be a great catch for a dog lover


FRED at the RSPCA’s animal centre in Leybourne is hoping to beat the odds and land himself a home. Like his cricketing legend


namesake Freddie Flintoff, the Staffie loves nothingmore than a game of throw and catch … but there are two issues holding him back. At the age of 10, Fred’s chances


of finding a new owner are a greater challenge, and, unusu- ally, his brindle colour alsoworks against him. Claire Yorke, fromthe RSPCA’s


centre in Leybourne, says Fred is looking for a quiet retirement and is a very good catch. However, national figures show that dogs of a certain colour and older pooches can take longer to re- home. Figures show that it can take


50% longer to rehome brindle coloured dogs, and up to three times longer to rehome dogs over


And in terms of age, an animal


of seven years and over will take an average 48.68 days to find a home, whereas the wait for a puppy under six months will be closer to a fortnight. Fred, who arrived at the centre


in September, would like an adult-only home with no other pets. While he is unsure around other dogs, he is happy to mix with those that are calm, but he gets frightened if they’re too ex- citable. Claire said: “He is a very gentle


poochwho is very loving and en- joys being with people. He loves long walks and finding sunny spots for naps. “But poor Fred is finding ken-


the age of seven. They also reveal that black and


white dogs take on average 37 days to rehome, black and tan dogs 40 days and brindle dogs 65 days.


nel life really stressful. He really just wants some peace and quiet in a loving new home.” For more information about


Fred email the centre at ley- bourne@rspca.org.uk or call them on 0300 123 0751.


News Carol concert


CAROLS old and new are prom- ised at a Christmas Concert at West Malling church on Decem- ber 12. Featuring Peter Brice and his


Christmas Choir, there will be plenty of audience participation. Doors open at St Mary’s Church at 6.30pm. The concert will run from 7-9pm with a 20-minute in- terval for drinks and canapes. There is no charge for the event


but those attending are invited to give a donation to the Heart of Kent Hospice.


Santa dash


GET into the Spirit of Christmas raising money for the Heart of Kent Hospice inAylesford. The charity is holding its Santa


Dash at Maidstone’s football ground on Saturday,December 22. Registered Santas receive a


Christmas costume, a medal, and get to watch the match after their dash across the pitch. The race starts at 1.15pm, and


entry is £20 per adult and £15 per child. To book a place, go to www.hokh.org or call 01622 790195.


For all your heating and bathroom needs Newly refurbished


Showroom & Trade Counter NOW OPEN!


Malling December 2018


3


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48