Wetnose Animal Aid

Burgess / Wetnose Rescue Awards 2012
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This fantastic event took place at the
Jumeirah Carlton Tower Hotel
Knightsbridge, London.
Friday 9th March 2012.

with very special guest of honour
Dame Judi Dench CH, DBE, FRSA.

Celebrities show off their 'Wetnoses' as they arrive
for the star-studded event

View the image gallery from the award ceremony
Click Here

This years judges were (from left to right):

Andie Godfrey - London Dog Forum
Emma Simmons - Horse Healer (Heart of the Herd)
Naomi Chatterley - Burgess Pet Care
Actor Peter Egan - Wetnose Ambassador
Andrea Gamby-Boulger (Wetnose Director/Founder)

And The Winners Are:

Click on an image to see the film.

French Lop Rabbit called BASIL

Basil is an amazing rabbit who has touched the lives of so many people, and now has Facebook fans throughout the world. He is according to the specialists at the local Vet small animal hospital, the worst case of neglect they have seen…….. actually survive.

This is his story:

Basil is a big, beautiful French Lop, who came to us as a rescue many months ago. Sadly, Basil was very badly treated in his previous home. He was kept outside in a tiny covered hutch, that was far too small for him to even move properly. Basil's hutch was covered, which kept him warm enough to survive, but unfortunately exasperated his health problems. Basil's feet were scalded and raw from standing on urine-soaked ground for so long, and his lungs were badly affected by the ammonia that was building up in the air, leading to chronic pneumonia.

When Basil was first rescued, his eyes could not even cope with natural sunlight after so long in the dark.
He has needed extensive veterinary care costing over £1500 so far, and will continue to need care for the rest of his life. His teeth were damaged by years of poor diet and having nothing to chew, and so he now needs dental surgery 1-2 times a year (His last surgery was a mind blowing 3 hours to remove part of his damaged jaw ). His eyes will always be affected, requiring frequent checks and special eye drops. His pneumonia was treated with daily nebulisation and anti-biotics for 6 weeks.
Because of the level ongoing care that Basil needs, he is considered a permanent resident of Paws Here Animal Shelter and stays forever with foster carers Marie and Andy.

The most frustrating thing to us is that Basil's health problems could all have been avoided had he be cared for correctly.
But his story is also a happy one, full of hope, and for this reason I love telling it. Basil is doing so much better now than when he first arrived, he is thriving in his new home and, gradually, recovering from the bad experiences in his past.
At first, Basil was only able to walk a few short, halting steps due to his sore feet and muscle waste from being unable to move properly for so long. With much support and encouragement, he is now moving more freely. He is even able to bounce up and down the stairs in his new home!

The reason I think Basil deserves this award, is even after such a poor start to life, he loves humans, and we use him now to educate children in schools as to why good rabbit care and diet is so important. Basil now eats a proper diet and loves his excel hay. Also to thank all the wonderful people even as far as America who have so generously donated for his expensive vet care. He is truly a super bunny!