On Valentine's Day 2009 we went along to HAWT to try and find a cat to fill the huge hole left by one of our cats who had died suddenly the previous week. On a previous visit with my daughter to choose her cat I had already fallen in love with a beautiful long-haired boy known as Larry who had been at the Trust from a very young age. His kennel-mate, Princess, was a tiny version of the little girl we had just lost. She had been found straying in the Princes Avenue area and from her size, had judged to be about four months old.

Larry, now known as Alfie is a joy, such a placid cat. He was a bit agoraphobic for the first day or two, spent most of his time under the settee, not used to having the run of a house but he quickly became accustomed to gently exploring, and sticking up for himself against a very domineering tiny black demon! He soon got used to household noises such as hoovers and hair dryers and his greatest joy now is patrolling the garden chasing ants and flies. He loves flopping out on my lap and being groomed, purring and wriggling about in delight. He is totally adorable. Such a beauty too.

Princess now known as Gizmo brings a smile to our faces every time we see her. She's a real entertainer, but she also enjoys quiet cuddly moments. She's on the go constantly, and is a real little pig when it comes to food. We had a shock upon taking her to the vet for her inoculations - although still the size of a kitten, she is in fact fully grown. However, she may be small in body, but her personality and voice are huge!

Both cats have brought us immeasurable amounts of pleasure and fun. Thank you so much to the people at the Trust for bringing them into our lives. A special mention must go to Elaine who brought Alfie up from birth. She said he was a difficult kitten but as a grown cat, he is a complete delight.

Rosemary, John and David

Dennis came to our centre in 2000 as an unclaimed stray. He was quickly chosen by Eddy and he settled well into his new home in Thorngumbald. Years have passed and the inevitable happened. Eddy sent us this as a tribute to her much loved dog, Dennis :

For Dennis who rescue me 3rd February 2000 and died in my arms 16th July 2008

If I reach out my hand
Will you be there?
Your little wet nose,
Your lovely fur….

But all I touch
Is an empty space,
No little legs,
No beautiful face.

My mind wakes up;
“He’s gone you fool”.
Oh, heartless dreams
That are so cruel.

I knew the day the vet came
Would be hard, but for the best.
I new I would be brave,
And my love would stand the test.

But when you’d gone
Tears filled my eyes,
It hurt so much,
I thought I’d die.

When you’re in Heaven,
Running free,
Love me, don’t miss me
Remember me….

I know one day, we’ll meet again,
Beyond the rainbow’s end,
And I’ll take you in my arms once more,
My beloved doggy friend.

Love Eddy

Hi I'm Pippa, I am a giant cross my owners think I'm crossed between a hair and a giant rabbit.

I am one year old and had a rough start in life, but I am a lot happier now.

My new owner's Aimee, hill and Mike are lovely to me I have the run of the garden and I love to run in and out of the trees and chase the birds. I still like to sleep in a cat carrier but am getting used to big spaces now and I am loving it

I get fussed a lot and have a new partner called Salt ' I love him '. I like to sit at the back of the garden in the trees and sit by the fish pond. You could sit and stroke me for hours or hand feed me I love that too !

I am really glad for my new home and think I will have many happy years here

Love Pippa

Dear Animal Welfare Trust

My name is Winston, I'm a five year old Doberman who came to you five months ago with my mum Lyka when my first mum couldn't look after us any more, three weeks ago my mum was taken to a very posh home in the south of England but I had to stay with you, I was very sad.

Then one day Haley, Mike and Jess came to see me at the centre and I liked them as they liked me too. But they left the centre without me. Then one week later they came back for me and took me home to my new house in Anlaby Common, I was very excited but nervous too!

I've now been with my new mum, dad and sister for nearly two weeks and its fab here, they take me for really big walks in the local park every day and guess what, I don't have to have lead on as they trained me to walk off a lead which is great as I can run around all over the park, I also have a huge comfy bed which I like lots. I've also got myself two new friends, Ozzy and Jack. Jack was a rescue dog too, he lived with you three years ago until grandma and grandad took him home. He is my best friend we go playing together in the park most days, and when I don't see Jack I sunbathe in my big garden after I have taken my sister Jess to school.

Here is a pictures of me having fun

Thank you for looking after me until my new mum, dad and sister came for me. Have a big lick from me x x

Winston Hackney

To all the staff at Hull Animal Welfare

We have had Emily for about two months now, so I thought it was about time I gave you an update!

She has settled in to her new life with us very well and we are trying very hard not to spoil her! We had the new fence fitted at Easter so she now has the run of the garden and enjoys sunbathing very much. She was house trained from the beginning and really is a delight to have - typical greyhound - dinners and duvets are all she lives for!

When I take her to my parents' house she gets on fine with their two Lurchers and I have also taken her out with my friend Emma's Greyhounds but she is a little bit wary of other breeds, especially fluffy dogs - I don't think she can work them out.

We have just returned from a weekend in the Dales and really enjoyed having her on holiday with us. So many people started conversations with us about her and she loved all of the attention. I have included some photos of her- the first is of her doing what she does best- chilling out! The second is of me and her in Aysgarth in the Dales, and the third is of her chewing one of her toys.

We are definitely thinking about getting another dog to keep Emily company - and I check your website regularly - but we want to get to know Emily a little better and let her settle in and get established before doing so.

Thank you so much for giving us the opportunity to give her a home,

Tamsin, Jody and Emily

Being a plain black dog Dave was with us some time but he was taken by Ellie and Dave (another Dave) and re named George. Here is a picture of George relaxing in his new garden.

Ellie and Dave thank us for introducing them to George and tell us he has settled well in his new home. He especially likes playing in the garden and chasing birds out of it!

They are all enjoying long walks and playing frisbee.

George would be missing us if he wasn't having so much fun.

From Ellie, Dave and George