Meet Delilah: A Story of Strength and Love

Three years ago, Delilah arrived at our clinic as a stray. At first glance, we thought she might be pregnant—but it turned out she was just very overweight! After further tests, we discovered she was also diabetic and very unwell. The prognosis wasn’t good, and we feared she only had a few months to live.

One of our amazing veterinary nurses, now a dedicated volunteer, took Delilah home to foster her, determined to make her final days as happy as possible. But Delilah had other plans! 💪

Three years later, she’s still with us—living her best life, thanks to love, care, and proper treatment. 💖

Alright, I’m Matthew 

Former Sick Note • Current Menace to Society • Full-Time Wallet Drainer

Turned up to Protected Paws absolutely on my last legs, got myself shoved straight into end-of-life foster… and then woke up like, “Nah, not today babes.” Came back stronger out of pure pettiness.

Fast-forward to now: most of my vet bills are because I keep eating things I shouldn’t. Special diet? Yeah, that’s cute. I prefer the al fresco, whatever’s-on-the-floor menu. I’ve eaten objects. Actual objects. I am the Greggs bag of cats: mysterious, chaotic, and somehow still going.

Originally found living in a colony of all black female cats. Me? Ginger. Male. Didn’t blend in whatsoever but still pulling like it was Love Island. So my mum thought, “He needs a sister.”

Spoiler: I do not. I am now neutered and rude to women by choice.

But listen I’m still the best boy. I make everyone laugh, mostly at my own expense, and I personally find myself absolutely hilarious. London icon, really.

Hope’s Story

Two years ago, Hope came into our care after a heartbreaking call from a member of the public. She was being abandoned and cruelly mistreated — her cries could be heard over the phone as strangers desperately tried to comfort her. Despite having nowhere to place her at the time, we knew we couldn’t turn our backs. Hope became a Protected Paw, safe and loved at last.

From the start, she showed us what a gentle, affectionate soul she is. Hope adores belly rubs, cuddles, and giving big Staffie kisses. She’s friendly with other dogs and loves being close to people. At 13 years old when she arrived, she already had health challenges — lameness in her legs and the scars of neglect — but we promised her she’d know love and care for however long she has left.

Now, two years on, Hope is still with us and doing well in her palliative foster home. She’s a little stiff with arthritis and her legs can be sore, but with treatment and plenty of TLC she continues to enjoy life’s simple pleasures: naps, gentle walks, and soaking up affection from those around her.

Hope reminds us every day why we do what we do. She may not have had the happiest start, but her final years are filled with safety, comfort, and love — exactly what every dog deserves.

Ethel’s Story

Ethel came into our care at 18 years old, frail and heartbreakingly thin. She was emaciated, struggling with thyroid disease, kidney disease, and hypertension, and clearly in need of urgent care and compassion.

Despite her age and her many health challenges, Ethel showed us right away that she’s a little fighter. She’s since had multiple surgeries, including dental work to ease her pain and help her enjoy her food again.

Today, Ethel is thriving in her end-of-life foster home, where she is adored by her foster mummy and daddy. They dote on her every day, making sure she has comfort, warmth, and all the love she deserves.

Ethel is very much a cat in every way — independent, full of character, and always deciding when cuddles are on her terms! She may be in her twilight years, but she’s safe, cared for, and surrounded by love.

Ethel’s story reminds us that every life is precious, no matter the age, and that it’s never too late for a cat to find their happy ending.

Roger, a stunning Bengal boy of around 11 years old, came into our care in heartbreaking condition. He was dangerously underweight, very sick, and suffering from severe diarrhoea caused by feline leukaemia virus (FeLV).

Many rescues would have chosen to put an FeLV-positive cat to sleep, but we believe every animal deserves a chance — and Roger certainly did.

Roger was placed in a loving end-of-life foster home with Traci, who absolutely adores him. Because FeLV cats must live alone to protect other cats, Roger is the king of his household — and he’s thriving under all the love and attention he receives.

Despite his diagnosis, Roger is full of life, personality, and affection. His story is a powerful reminder that illness does not define an animal’s worth, and that with care, compassion, and the right home, even the most fragile lives can shine bright.

Sir Leonard Bagpuss is a cat whose spirit has inspired everyone at Protected Paws. His journey is one of incredible survival and resilience.

When he first arrived, his condition was devastating. He was frail, fighting infection, and so weak he could barely lift his head. The smell of illness and the pain in his eyes told us how much he had endured. Yet even then, we could see the fight in him — a will to live that refused to give up.

With the tireless care of our team and volunteers, Sir Leonard received surgeries, treatments, and constant love. Slowly, against all odds, he began to heal. His strength returned, his coat grew glossy, and his personality began to shine through.

Today, Sir Leonard Bagpuss is thriving. Despite living with kidney disease and arthritis, he’s doing amazingly well — cheeky, confident, and full of life. He has gone from a cat on the brink to a proud, happy boy who relishes every day.

Sir Leonard reminds us all why we never give up. With compassion and determination, even the most broken lives can be transformed into ones filled with comfort, dignity, and love.

Lady Agnes’s Story

Lady Agnes came to us as a stray, already a grand old lady of around 18 years old. Life on the streets had left her frail and unwell, and she was soon diagnosed with thyroid disease, kidney disease, and hypertension — the same conditions as her fellow golden oldie, Ethel.

Despite her age and health challenges, Lady Agnes still had plenty of life and spirit left in her. We knew she deserved warmth, comfort, and a safe place to spend her twilight years.

She was welcomed into a loving end-of-life foster home with Hazel, who absolutely adored her. Surrounded by soft beds, gentle care, and the companionship every cat dreams of, Lady Agnes finally knew what it meant to be truly loved.

A few weeks ago, Lady Agnes peacefully passed away, held in our care and hearts until the very end. At around 20 years old, she is a beautiful reminder of the resilience of cats and the healing power of love. Though once a stray, she left this world cherished, comfortable, and finally at home. ❤️