THE motto of our branch is 'Onwards and Upwards' and that is the perfect way to describe what has happened to our shop. A change born out of a crisis turned into a very positive move.
It all started when we installed a pen at the shop after our shelter shut in July 2010 when we were given notice by the Burnt Ash Vet Clinic. Built in a large stockroom, it was meant to be a stopgap until we could find other space to look after needy cats.
Shop manager Jacqui Trayfoot said: 'Little did we realise what a huge success this would be, not only for rehoming but also for our shop. This is a much smaller site than we had before but, because I am here most of the week, it has enabled us to have a much quicker turnover of cats.
'People are able to come to visit and adopt in a much shorter time, which is good for us and means the cats are placed in good homes without too much distress. And because people are here all day, it gives us the chance to monitor any health or behaviour problems.'
Nearly 70 cats and kittens were homed from the purpose-built pen in the six months from July 2010 to the end of the year. Along with the efforts of our main fosterer Anne and others who foster from home, as well as our new shelter in Lee High Road, this pushed up the branch's homings for 2010 to 246.
There was another unexpected bonus for the shop at 14 Tudor Parade, Well Hall Road, Eltham. Jacqui, who has been manageress for 16 years, said: 'The shop has also been doing well. I found that with all the upheaval at the branch, it gave us a big boost. There were people who came in who had never visited before, although they knew it was there.
'And also, people who lived in the area who didn't know it was there called in to have a look and became hooked, like many of our dedicated customers. We have had a lot of offers to help out. Because we have been doing so well, we have been able to give the shop a much-needed facelift.'
The shop, which opened in 1988, now looks a lot smarter with its whole new frontage, sign and awning.
So what started out as a short-term response to the potentially disastrous loss of our cattery ended up boosting not only the shop but our work on behalf of cats. And that's what it's all about!
If you'd like to join the success story by helping out, donating goods or just bagging a bargain, please click here.