There is no limit to Katie Lloyd’s dedication to helping cats. Fortunately, a twist of fate brought her a canine best friend to help her cope…
It is Katie who oversees every aspect of the rescue. She personally does all the nursing of cats in the intensive care unit within her home that has been named the ‘Pawspital’ which is vital as BCWR takes on cats who have high level care needs that other rescues are simply not equipped to deal with.
After nearly two decades of being an incredible lifeline to so many felines, little did Katie know that a late-night call to the rescue on 1 October 2024 would change her life in a canine way.
Finding Flora
The police requested Katie’s attendance at a property due to a feline welfare issue. There were two cats at the property who were safely put into cat carriers but, while inside, Katie thought she could hear scratching. It was assumed it was coming from next door but Katie was not convinced, especially at that time of night, so she went to investigate further. Entering the kitchen the noise became more obvious so she opened the pantry door and out came a terrified little puppy. Katie was told she was 10 weeks old and it was clear she needed a similar level of TLC that Katie gives to her cats.
Katie said, “We are not, and never will be, a dog rescue but I felt I could help her as an emergency measure and offer her comfort, safety, and love, even if it was only temporary.”
Flora headed home with Katie, and it was clear as the days went on that Flora had her paws well and truly under the table, or under the comfort of Katie’s duvet! She had bonded with Katie in a very short space of time, and while it was never Katie’s intention to keep her, Flora had other ideas!
Even though Katie was not sure how long Flora would be at the rescue for, knowing that puppy training is best done at a young age, Katie enrolled her in puppy training. Flora and Katie worked hard together every day and in December 2024, she graduated with a PhD – ‘playful, happy, and disciplined’ from ‘Pup-versity!’
When she was 20 weeks old, Katie found out that Flora’s owner had passed away and since the pup was not reclaimed, and was so happy and settled, it looked like Flora was here to stay. Katie embraced the new part of her life and since then followers of the rescue on social media have been treated to Puppy Tails... and Floras Adventures.
Flora settled very quickly into rescue life. Her best friend is Dijon, one of the SENSE cats at the rescue (SENSE standing for Safe, Enriching, Nurturing Sensory Environment). She suffers from gastritis and when she has a flare up needs to be on a drip. The pair have a special bond and when Dijon is on the drip, Flora sits with her.
As well as helping the cats, Flora provides Katie with a welcome break of the intensve pressure of running the rescue. Every week Katie takes Flora to a dog-friendly café where they can enjoy some time away with Flora being treated to a sausage.
Helping at the rescue
On Boxing Day 2023 around 1am Katie was awoken by Flora incessantly barking and jumping all over her. This is unusual behaviour so Katie got up and went into the garden with Flora running to the top of the garden. Despite the freezing cold temperatures, someone had dumped a mother cat, who was very scared, and three very cold newborn kittens. The kittens were immediately placed into intensive care on the critical care ward to keep them warm while Katie went to coax mum into safety. Thanks to Flora the whole family were saved.
In our lifetime we may experience a bond with an animal like no other and Katie shared this with a kitten who she named Topple. He suffered a very traumatic birth and she hand reared him due to his mother being in intensive care for several weeks. Topple was her world and they had shared such a special bond. When Katie was upset or ill, he provided comfort and his loss at the age of six shattered her world. While she loves all the cats in her care, the bond she shared with Topple had never replicated – until now.
What many people do not know is that in 2011, Katie was diagnosed with anaplastic astrocytoma, a cancerous brain tumour and over the last few years she has had to endure endless cycles of chemotherapy and life-saving surgery, and yet this truly remarkable lady continues to provide intensive care nursing and round the clock feeds to cats and kittens in her care. Often there was no let-up. At times it did take its toll on her physical and mental health, that was until Flora came into her life.
Katie said, “She is a bundle of joy, such a good girl and absolute angel. I simply adore her and I often ask myself who rescued who?
“I want Flora to have the best life possible, that means her seeing other dogs, and her enjoying play time and walks. By doing this, it has benefitted me enormously; just taking the time away from the rescue to walk Flora, means I can just focus on her and I have lost four stone in the process.”
Running a rescue is incredibly stressful and taking time away is very difficult for Katie due to the high level of care offered. In recent times, the rescue has dealt with the most immense cases of cruelty and it had a huge impact on Katie. Thankfully, the amazing team of volunteers recognised this and organised for Katie to get away with Flora for some respite. For Katie to be able to take 12 hours away from the rescue has to be organised with military precision but it is time away that is desperately needed and something she cherishes. While Katie was on the end of the phone if required, she and Flora enjoyed time at the seaside together.
Katie said, “Sometimes the psychological impact of making decisions at the sanctuary can become overwhelming so it has been wonderful to have a mini break where I could, just to have time for myself and Flora. We had a lovely day in Skipsea enjoying paddling on the beach, relaxing for a few hours at a caravan park, and enjoying ice-cream.”
Another highlight was In July when preparations were underway for Flora to look her very best. An early night was in order as the following day she was to be entered into her first dog show at Wrose Carnival. Katie was delighted when she won first prize!
It’s been an incredible journey for Flora and Katie – and one she decided to capture in a book. The Funny Looking Cat is based around some animals at the sanctuary and tells a story of diversity, difference, acceptance, and friendship. Flora is the star of the book and at a launch day at the rescue, the team sold 104 copies. Katie said, ‘It truly was a fabulous family day out filled with laughter, love, and lots of furry cuddles and it raised just over £3,000 for cats in our care.”