BORDER Beasties have been busy trying to raise money for the Borders' rescue centres, and so far the weather has been kind to us!

In April and May �755 was sent to the centres, and we also paid for the neutering and health checks of two rescued rabbits, locally.

Our donation to the Berwick Swan and Wildlife Trust was used to buy a much-needed new fridge for the rescue centre.

A special donation of �1000 has also been sent to Arthurshiel, near St Boswells, to help with the building of their new small animal centre.

A huge "thank-you" to all the kind folk who have donated dog and cat beds, collars and leads, food, toys, old towels etc. for Arthurshiel, and a special mention for Wilma who has knitted a load of blankets for the kittens!

There has been a mini-explosion in the numbers of kittens being born recently at the centre, and the blankets and towels have been so appreciated. The staff of Peebles CAB have also been helping the rescue centre at Arthurshiel by keeping bags of shreddings which can be used as bedding for many of the animals.

Border Beasties is happy to deliver all these items. Toys and treats are very much needed for the rescue dogs - for training, and for getting to know the dogs, through play. Volunteers continue to deliver to the Donkey Sanctuary each week and we are once again very grateful to the lovely staff of Sainsbury in Peebles for their help.

The Sanctuary appreciates our efforts especially as, in common with all the Borders' rescue centres, they find themselves under constant pressure to accept more animals into their care.

Two expectant mums recently came into the sanctuary and we look forward to meeting the tiny new donkeys when they arrive!

The economic situation has meant that fewer folk are paying to neuter their animals, causing a larger than usual number of puppies and kittens looking for homes. At the other end of life, older pets are abandoned, often because of the possible cost of veterinary treatment.

Please think carefully, and do all sums, before acquiring a pet of any kind, and make sure you can afford food, veterinary care, suitable accommodation, time for play and training, holiday care etc. The rescue centres are reaching breaking point.

Having looked after hedgehogs for many years, I thought it was about time I got some new accommodation! My old hutches went off to Arthurshiel as emergency accommodation and some new ones arrived recently when things were quiet on the hedgehog front! They were made in Britain, of British timber, and came beautifully packed and ready for the first tenants!

The campaign to inform gardeners of the dangers of metaldehyde slug pellets seems to be growing, and it is great to see gardening columns reminding everyone of the damage that can be done to children, wildlife and pets by the blue pellets, and advising us of the many other alternatives available.

Alison Pearson Secretary Border Beasties