Pawz for Thought

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Yesterday was World Oceans Day, when people around the world come together to raise awareness about protecting our seas ...
09/06/2026

Yesterday was World Oceans Day, when people around the world come together to raise awareness about protecting our seas and coastlines.

It was a fantastic opportunity to visit Fulwell Infant School and talk to the children about the North East coast, which supports so many magnificent nesting seabirds each year, as well as a thriving grey seal population.

We had a great day exploring some amazing species and their unique “superpowers” – from the gannet, which can dive into the sea at speeds of up to 60 mph to catch fish, to the Arctic tern, which makes the incredible journey from the Arctic to Antarctica and back every year, making it the world’s longest-distance migratory bird.

We were also joined by Alison from Tynemouth seal hospital and Pawz volunteer, who spoke about the incredible work they do helping seals, dolphins and whales around our coastline.

A huge thank you to everyone who helped make the day such a success. Inspiring young people to appreciate and protect our marine environment is so important, and it was wonderful to see such enthusiasm and curiosity from the children throughout the day.

🦢 Cygnet Rescue at Silksworth Pond 🦢We received a call that one of the cygnets at Silksworth Pond had got itself into qu...
08/06/2026

🦢 Cygnet Rescue at Silksworth Pond 🦢

We received a call that one of the cygnets at Silksworth Pond had got itself into quite a pickle after becoming entangled in reeds by a fishing hook and line.

Our swan expert, Howard, sprang into action once again, ready to face two very protective parents who were doing an excellent job looking after their youngster. Dad swan (Arnie) already distressed by his baby's predicament, was especially defensive and determined to protect his family, leaving Howard temporarily stranded on top of a bench while he considered his next move!

Not one to be defeated, Howard eventually managed to safely capture the little floof and remove the hook from its back. However, the fishing line had travelled down the cygnet's throat, and we were concerned there could be another hook present, making it unsafe to attempt further removal on site.

The cygnet was rushed to Westway Veterinary Hospital in Newcastle for emergency treatment, where X-rays confirmed the presence of the line and weight. Thanks to the expert care of Lucy and the veterinary team, everything was safely removed.

After 24 hours of observation, the little one was given the all-clear and returned to Silksworth Pond, where it was reunited with its relieved family.

A huge thank you to everyone involved in this rescue, and a reminder to all anglers to dispose of fishing tackle responsibly. Discarded hooks and line can cause devastating injuries to our wildlife.

We're delighted to report that this little cygnet is now back where it belongs — safe, healthy, and surrounded by its family. ❤️

The new Mayor of Sunderland paid a surprise visit to Pawz for Thought today, bringing with him this poor seagull who had...
07/06/2026

The new Mayor of Sunderland paid a surprise visit to Pawz for Thought today, bringing with him this poor seagull who had sustained injuries following a suspected collision with a vehicle.

Without hesitation, the Mayor stepped in to rescue the bird and brought him straight to us for care. This isn’t the first time he has gone out of his way to help local wildlife either — over the years he has regularly brought in animals he has found in need, including a fox some time ago.

We truly appreciate the compassion and dedication he has consistently shown towards our wildlife, and we look forward to seeing him in his new role as Mayor.

Thank you for caring and making a difference.

💙 A Rescue to Remember – Meet Bert the Fulmar 💙Last night was one of those rescues that reminds us what can be achieved ...
07/06/2026

💙 A Rescue to Remember – Meet Bert the Fulmar 💙

Last night was one of those rescues that reminds us what can be achieved when members of the public, emergency services, and dedicated volunteers work together for wildlife.

We received a call from a concerned gentleman who had spotted a Fulmar suspended from the middle of a 50ft cliff by multiple strands of discarded fishing line.

Our wonderful volunteer Sarah headed out and spent the evening patiently assessing the situation and problem-solving until help arrived. It wasn’t the easiest beach to access, but on a beautiful evening and after quite the workout, the rescue effort was underway.

A huge thank you to County Durham & Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, who attended with three firefighters and their specialist rope rescue equipment. In a brilliant display of teamwork, they carefully freed the Fulmar from the cliff face and then used a good old-fashioned tarp to safely catch them once they were released. Firefighter Ben then patiently removed the tightly wound fishing line from around their legs and wing.

The firefighters named the bird Bert, and Bert was brought safely to Pawz for Thought for assessment and care.

🩶 Did you know? Fulmars are remarkable seabirds:
• They can spend months at sea without touching land.
• Their stiff-winged flight allows them to glide effortlessly for long distances over the ocean.
• They are an Amber-listed conservation species in the UK, meaning they are considered a species of conservation concern.
• Fulmars form incredibly strong pair bonds and often return to the same nesting site year after year with the same partner. In fact, they are known to mate for life.

This makes Bert’s rescue even more important, as the cliff where they were found is an active nesting site. If Bert recovers well, our hope is to return them home as soon as possible so they can reunite with their partner and continue the breeding season.

This rescue also highlights the devastating impact discarded fishing line can have on wildlife. Please always dispose of fishing tackle responsibly and, if safe to do so, remove any litter you find along our coastlines.

A huge thank you to the gentleman who raised the alarm, to Sarah for her determination and persistence, and to the incredible team from County Durham & Darlington Fire and Rescue Service whose skill, compassion and teamwork made this rescue possible.

We’re rooting for you, Bert. 💙🐦

Today, we were called by a concerned homeowner after a pigeon became tangled in netting attached to a chimney to prevent...
06/06/2026

Today, we were called by a concerned homeowner after a pigeon became tangled in netting attached to a chimney to prevent nesting.

Our volunteer, Anna from NEAR, has been campaigning for safer alternatives to bird-proofing netting. While often installed with good intentions, netting can be difficult to maintain and, when it deteriorates, gaps can form that trap birds. Sadly, hundreds of birds lose their lives this way every year.

Anna attended the rescue alongside the wonderful team at Tyne and Wear Rescue, and together they were able to safely free this poor pigeon. As you can see from the photos, the bird had injured himself and was clearly distressed after struggling to escape.

Thankfully, this rescue had a happy ending.

If you would like to learn more about safer and more humane alternatives to bird netting, please visit www.endbirdnetting.uk

You can also be part of the change by signing this petition to ban netting for good

https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/752959

COINS, ANYONE??? Many have already been sold (thank you!), but there are still a lot left.Auction Group Post (Michelle B...
06/06/2026

COINS, ANYONE??? Many have already been sold (thank you!), but there are still a lot left.

Auction Group Post (Michelle Bell) - I have been lucky enough to have been donated a stash of old coins, notes, medallions and first-issue stamps. These make fabulous gifts for people, commemorating a special date – birthday, anniversary etc. And with Father’s Day coming up, something like this would make a very unusual and special present. Photographing the collection would take me an age – and probably send me insane! And so, I have compiled a list of what’s available. Because I have multiples of some items, of various condition, I have not put prices on. But if you are interested in anything, please comment, and I will provide details. These are direct sales - first come, first served! The post will end next Saturday, as I'll be away on holiday after that for a week. https://www.facebook.com/groups/182386280617630

🐾 PROJECT CATSNIP – pet event BOOKINGS NOW OPEN! 🐾Join us on Friday 7th August at Hylton Castle Hub from 10am – 4pm for ...
05/06/2026

🐾 PROJECT CATSNIP – pet event BOOKINGS NOW OPEN! 🐾

Join us on Friday 7th August at Hylton Castle Hub from 10am – 4pm for our Project CatSnip event.

📍 Venue Address:
Hylton Castle Hub
Coleridge Road
Hylton Castle
SR5 3PP

🐱 Cat neutering consultations available
🐾 Microchipping available for cats, dogs and bunnies

⚠️ Important Information:
• All appointments must be booked in advance using the booking link below.
• Each pet must have its own appointment.
• If you require both microchipping and neutering, you must book both appointments separately.
• Your pet must attend the event and be seen in person.
• Please attend the event address above. The charity address shown on vouchers is for veterinary billing purposes only and is not the event location.
• This support is intended for your own family pets that permanently live with you.

💙 While our service is provided to help as many pets as possible, donations towards the cost of procedures are always greatly appreciated. Every donation helps us continue supporting more animals and their families in our community.

If you have any questions, please get in touch:
📧 [email protected]

Book your appointment here ⬇️

https://pawzforthought.simplybook.it/v2/

Today was our first CatSnip event in partnership with Sunderland City Council, and what a fantastic start it was with ov...
05/06/2026

Today was our first CatSnip event in partnership with Sunderland City Council, and what a fantastic start it was with over 50 appointments today!

A huge thank you to former Councillor Alison Chisnall, who kindly loaned us the hub for the event and generously gave her time throughout the day, keeping everyone going with plenty of coffee and support. We were also delighted to welcome former Councillor Steve Foster, who popped in to show his support.

This initiative will help local wards by providing free microchipping and neutering for cats, making a real difference to the welfare of animals and supporting families across the community.

Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the event a success. If you’d like to take advantage of our services, please book online for our next event. Together, we’re making a positive impact, one cat at a time.

Fabulous teamwork, and more prickly little lives saved. 🦔🦔🦔
05/06/2026

Fabulous teamwork, and more prickly little lives saved. 🦔🦔🦔

🐦 Nestling or Fledgling? Knowing the Difference Can Save a Bird's Life! 🐦We are getting multiple calls from concerned me...
03/06/2026

🐦 Nestling or Fledgling? Knowing the Difference Can Save a Bird's Life! 🐦

We are getting multiple calls from concerned members of the public so we thought we’d share some top tips.

At this time of year, many people find baby birds on the ground and assume they need rescuing. In most cases, they don't.

🔹 Nestlings are very young birds that are not yet ready to leave the nest. For most garden birds, nestlings have few feathers, exposed skin, and cannot hop, walk, or perch properly. If you find a nestling on the ground, it likely does need help and should be returned to its nest if possible.

🔹 Fledglings are older youngsters that have left the nest but are still learning to fly. They are mostly feathered, can hop around, perch, and often spend time on the ground. This stage is completely normal.

⚠️ An important exception is gulls and waterfowl. Their babies hatch covered in fluffy down and do not look naked like many other nestling birds. A fluffy baby gull, duck, goose, or swan chick is still a very young bird and should not be mistaken for a fledgling simply because it has feathers.

Many fledglings cannot fly properly yet because some of their new feathers are still covered in a protective sheath that looks a bit like a straw. As these sheaths flake away and their wing muscles strengthen, they gradually become confident fliers. This process usually takes only a few days to a week.

Although it can be distressing to see a young bird on the ground with cats, dogs, or other predators nearby, this is a natural part of bird development. Predators exist everywhere, and the presence of risk is not a good reason to remove a fledgling from its family. In fact, taking a healthy fledgling away often does more harm than good.

❤️ Want to help?• Leave the bird where it is.• Put out a shallow dish of fresh water.• Offer suitable food for the parent birds.• Keep cats and dogs indoors or supervised if possible.• Give the bird space and watch from a distance.

The parents are usually close by, feeding and protecting their youngster. Giving fledglings a few days of peace and safety gives them the best chance to grow stronger, learn to fly, and continue their journey in the wild.

*If it's feathered, hopping, alert, and calling, it's probably exactly where it's supposed to be.

If you’re worried call 01915808880 for advice

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Howbridge House, Ferryboat Lane
Sunderland
SR53HW

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