A rescue dog, who became a canine celebrity after starring in a TV advert for animal welfare charity, Battersea, is being remembered by her owner in a special commemoration event for Pet Remembrance Day (5 July).
Yorkshire Jack Russell Terrier Cross, Honey, who came into Battersea’s care as a one-eyed nervous stray before finding a forever home with owner and Battersea volunteer Reeta Minhas-Judd, made her canine cameo for the much-loved animal rescue centre after she was picked for a leading role in the charity’s Wear Blue For Rescue TV campaign. The advert, which encouraged owners to declare their love for rescue dogs and cats, was beamed out to households across the UK and made Honey into a star, recognised in the street by pet lovers and admirers alike.
After Honey sadly passed away earlier this year, Reeta and her partner Howard wanted to celebrate the joy and smiles that their beloved pet had brought to their lives and this July, they will be toasting Honey’s memory with a special commemoration event to remember their ‘diva’ dog whilst raising money and awareness for Battersea.
Reeta said: “When we welcomed Honey into our lives as a young pup, little did we know the 14 years of happiness that she would bring to our lives. She was such a nervous little thing when we got her from Battersea’s London rescue centre and my partner had to spend the first few nights downstairs on our sofa alongside her. Slowly but surely, she started to come out of her shell and went on to practically rule the house!”
“For Pet Remembrance Day we’ll be aiming to raise over a thousand pounds at a special event where friends, family and people from our local community will spend an evening at our local football club where we’re holding a raffle, a quiz and a prize giveaway with all proceeds going to Battersea to help rescue dogs live happy lives like our sweet girl Honey.”
Pet Remembrance Day, which takes place every year on 5 July, helps pet owners to remember the dogs, cats and other animals who are no longer with us but will always have a special place in our hearts.
Speaking about Honey’s star turn on TV, Reeta added: “From the moment Honey was chosen for the Battersea advert it was like she knew she going to be famous and turned into a right little diva. She couldn’t get enough of the camera! When the advert went out on telly in 2021, everybody was pointing her out in the street saying she’s that Battersea dog! Even our postwoman recognised her. She became our little star and as a pampered pooch was always expecting me to give out her favourite chicken treats. We are so proud that she was able to champion rescue dogs and cats during her lifetime, a cause we continue to support.”
Michelle Adelman, Battersea’s Legacy and In Memory Fundraising Manager, said: “A pet’s loving energy, presence and unique quirks make them treasured members of the family. As a volunteer and fundraiser, Reeta is an incredible supporter, and it is so touching that she is choosing to honour Honey’s memory this Pet Remembrance Day by helping to raise funds for the dogs and cats that we see across our centres that need a second chance in life”.
To find out more about holding an event to remember and celebrate the life of a pet no longer with us whilst raising funds to help Battersea’s rescue dogs and cats, please visit: www.battersea.org.uk/inmemory
