Over the past decade, we have offered support and shelter to over 10,000 people and animals experiencing an unexpected or ongoing crisis.

Through community based initiatives such as Pet Refuge, our work with homeless people and our social welfare and education projects, we protect the human animal bond and ensure people and their beloved pets can stay inseparable through times of hardship – such as a sudden medical emergency; a loss of employment, housing or shelter; or a relationship breakdown.

We also know that our relationship with animals is powerful, intimate and reciprocal, and can be the difference between life and death for people in a vulnerable situation. For instance:

• We know that regular interaction with an animal or pet can raise our quality of life by up to 12%. Our 2019 audience survey also revealed that 79% of Londoners believe that a pet can be “just as much of a companion” as another human.
• However, it is estimated that a staggering 60% London renters are only one pay cheque away from losing their home.
• 64% of London Housing Associations and approximately half of private landlords ban pets in their properties – meaning that any situation that results in the loss of a home may also result in the forcible loss of a pet, through no fault of the owner or animal involved.

‘A life, shared’ in London

In partnership with McCann Demand, we have created a series of powerful and impactful poems designed to illustrate the importance and intimacy of animal companionship, and the harsh realities faced by people hit by a sudden or unforeseen change in circumstance, which threatens their relationship with their pet.

• The poems are illustrated with a poignant single line drawing by renowned artist Dane Khy, which perfectly brings the idea of an inseparable bond to life.
• They will appear across prominent London tube stations, where people will have the time to read and reflect on the animals or animal lovers in their own lives whilst waiting for a train.

An animated film of a third poem has been created in partnership with Coffee and TV.

We are incredibly grateful to have the support of TV presenter and journalist Louis Theroux and theatre actor Emily Raymond in this campaign, who have each kindly provided the voices of ‘The Owner’ and ‘The Dog’ in the animated video.

Louis said “I was delighted to be asked be the voice of the dog for Mayhew’s campaign. It was a challenge for me as I’ve only ever done voiceover for myself. So this was a leap, taking on the role of someone else, who also happened to be a non-human! But we can all relate to the emotions felt by the animals in this beautiful video: the need for comfort, companionship, and quality of life. And the animation and writing in the film capture this perfectly.

Emily Raymond added “I think that the ground-breaking work Mayhew do in the local community is truly inspiring.

“Helping homeless and vulnerable people to care for their dogs, and even look after them during periods of absence, is literally a lifeline for people in a crisis situation. They make sure that the human animal bond is nurtured and not broken – without judgement and with deep empathy. Mayhew fully understand the vital relationship between a vulnerable person and their pet, and know that an animal is often the only trusted companion that a person has.

“It was therefore a privilege to give a voice to the beautiful and moving animation for this latest campaign – highlighting the shared lives that are made possible by the vital help and support that Mayhew provides to those in need.”

The heartbreaking reality of needless separation

A recent PFMA report suggests that 8% of all dogs relinquished to London-based rehoming shelters are given up against the owners will.

Similar surveys have investigated the reasons given by such owners, and have found that:

• 12% of owners had suffered from ill health and were no longer able to look after their pet.
• 10% had moved into new accommodation where pets were prohibited.
• 6% had experienced a relationship breakdown with a shared pet, and neither could manage the pet on their own.

Just as heartbreaking are the stories we hear every day of pet owners refusing offers of support, including emergency housing and urgent medical attention – because they are afraid of what will happen to their animal whilst they seek help, or because they cannot bear to leave their animals’ side.

We know from the past few decades of working within our local community that the overwhelming majority of pet owners will put their animal first no matter what, and in times of hardship, we understand that a beloved pet can offer unconditional love, and be a person’s only source of comfort and companionship.

Caroline Yates, CEO said: “Mayhew is one of the oldest animal welfare charities in London, working in a truly holistic and preventative way to improve life for the people and animals in our community.

“Through ‘A Life, Shared’ we are aiming to bring people together and help people from all backgrounds relate and empathise with our mission, through the bond we all share with animals. The poems beautifully and intricately illustrate this intimate and reciprocal bond, and demonstrate exactly why it is so important that Mayhew are there to prevent any unnecessary separation and avoid this bond being broken.”

#StayInseparable