West Norfolk RSPCA appeal leads to a forever home in Essex for Maris and Piper

A West Norfolk centre is celebrating a happy tale as two of its longest stay furry friends have found their forever home after a rehoming appeal.

Guinea pigs Norman and Stanley had been in the care of the RSPCA West Norfolk Branch since May but thanks to the charity’s Adoptober campaign in October, the pair have found their perfect match in Essex.

Emily Cole from the branch said: “It was lovely to finally find a home for Norman and Stanley, as so many male guinea pigs are needing homes due to the fact they are more difficult to bond and people favour females.”

But Jess Whiffin from Chelmsford saw the appeal and contacted the branch.

“When I saw the Adoptober story about Norman and Stanley I had to get in touch,” said Jess.

“I hoped I would be the perfect match for them and I was delighted when my application went through and I was soon able to take them home with me.

“They have settled in well and I have re-named them Maris and Piper as they are like little potatoes! They are still quite nervous but every day I can see them gaining confidence which is the best feeling seeing their little personalities come out. I’m so glad I am able to provide them with a forever home.”

The RSPCA’s month-long rehoming campaign aimed to increase adoption rates across England and Wales. Last year, while the charity’s 14 rehoming centres and 135 independently-run branches found new homes for an incredible 28,208 dogs, cats, rabbits and other pets, that was far fewer than the 40,118 animals at shelters across England and Wales.

This meant intake with the RSPCA has been 42 per cent higher than the number of animals being rehomed, with many having to stay in temporary emergency boarding until a space opens up for them at a rehoming centre.

The spiralling problem is placing even more pressure on the charity, as it urgently searches for loving homes for pets. Potential adopters can visit the RSPCA’s Find A Pet webpage to see all of the animals looking for their perfect match.

RSPCA West Norfolk Branch is hoping for another success story as guinea pigs Ginger and Pops need rehoming. They are aged around 18 weeks and are sweet inquisitive boys.

See the website https://westnorfolkrspca.org.uk/ for more information and to fill out an online application form.

This winter the RSPCA - which is marking its 200th year - has launched its Join the Christmas Rescue campaign which calls on the public to support the charity so it can continue its life-saving work during the busy winter period. Find out how you can make a donation at https://www.rspca.org.uk/jointherescue/christmas?campaign