Meghan Meets Minnie During First Official Visit to Patronage Mayhew

The Duchess of Sussex made her first official visit to patronage Mayhew this afternoon to meet with staff, volunteers and beneficiaries, and hear more about the animal welfare charity’s various initiatives, from community engagement to international projects.

Mayhew is a grassroots charity working tirelessly to improve the lives of animals both in London and internationally. Mayhew looks for innovative ways to reduce the number of animals in need through pro-active community and educational initiatives and preventative veterinary care. This includes working with homeless charities across London to ensure people and their dogs can be kept together; running a pet refuge programme to provide shelter and care for the pets of people in crisis for short periods of time; and educating young people about animal welfare and the importance of responsible pet ownership. Internationally, Mayhew works with governments, local communities and charitable groups in Afghanistan, Georgia, Russia and India to help improve animal welfare.

In 2018, Mayhew handled over 1,000 welfare cases, rehomed 98 dogs and 380 cats. They vaccinate over 32,000 dogs against rabies overseas to name just a few of their achievements. Kensington Palace noted: "The Duchess has long understood the connection between animals and community welfare, and has supported various animal rescue centres in Los Angeles."

During her time in Canada, she adopted two dogs. Meghan discovered the charity last autumn, and following two private visits, she chose Mayhew as one of her first patronages.

There was quite a funny moment when Meghan walked in and one lady jokingly said "You"re a fat lady now". Meghan laughed and said "I"ll take it".

[embedded content]

Established in 1886, Mayhew offers a plethora of services including preventative veterinary care.

Meghan spent time with Wully, a formerly homeless Pet Refuge service user, and his two dogs Azzy and Gallis. Mayhew officers assisted Wully during a difficult time. Wully told Meghan his pets are his babies. She replied: "That I understand".

The concept of the animal welfare office was started by Mayhew.

[embedded content]

Caroline Yates, CEO of Mayhew said: “We are so excited that HRH The Duchess of Sussex has chosen to be our Patron. Mayhew works to improve the lives of dogs, cats and the people in our community, tackling the root cause of animal abandonment and neglect and supporting vulnerable people to stay with their companion pets. The Duchess has spent many years championing animal welfare, and we are honoured to have our charity represented by such a passionate Patron. We look forward to working closely with The Duchess and hope that, together, we can help even more animals and people.”

Omid Scobie reports:

“She had read something about our community outreach work and that resonated with her and she got in touch,” CEO Caroline Yates tells BAZAAR.com. “[Animals] are a very important part of her life. She’s a natural.”

Meghan met former Mayhew resident Maggie with her new owner Emma. The Jack Russell was rescued from a puppy farm last October.

Meghan chatted with volunteer Claire Godwin, and Roobarb. Mayhew’s TheraPaws animal therapy programme works to improve wellbeing in their local community.

A Jack Russell named Minnie stole Meghan"s heart.

There"s some great footage of the meeting below.

[embedded content]

Omid Scobie reports: "CEO Caroline Yates tells me that Meghan was “quite taken” by a little Jack Russel called Minnie: “She asked about Mini’s story, what she’s like and if she’s up for adoption? And she is!"

Like so many animals, Minnie is looking for her forever home. She is a "shy and sensitive" girl who can be timid around strangers (although like the Queen"s corgis she seemed quite at home with Meghan). It"s heartbreaking to read the reason Minnie is with Mayhew is "No longer wanted".  Without organisations like this, it"s devastating to think Minnie could be homeless right now. For those considering getting a pet, please, please, consider adopting. I promise you won"t regret it.

More from the Mail Online:

"Speaking to Femail, Mayhew revealed  that Meghan was immediately drawn to her when she entered the room."When the duchess entered the room she was immediately taken by how sweet and small she is and drawn to her," they said. We only put her on the website today but since her appearance with Meghan we"ve had endless calls about her so we don"t expect her to be around for much longer", they added. It"s a double-edged sword as she"s so popular with staff but we"re also keen to help her find a happy home". Minnie is looking for a quiet home where she will be the only pet and will need plenty of attention as well as a daily one-hour off-lead walk."

If you would like to donate or support Mayhew please click here. Just £5 feeds a dog or a cat for a day. As an animal lover, it is just outstanding to see the incredible work they are doing.

The Duchess opted for a beige ensemble for the visit. Meghan sported her Emporio Armani Cashmere Double Cloth Coat with Classic Lapels. Readers will recall she wore the piece in Sussex last October.

The sold out piece is described as: "A quintessential piece of outerwear, this timeless coat is perfect for completing your season"s look with casual elegance. Made from cashmere double cloth, the garment features a classic collar, three-button fastening and flap pockets."

Meghan wore the £25 H&M MAMA Fine-Knit dress. The maternity piece features a stand-up collar, long sleeves and gathered seams for an improved fit. The dress comes in fine-knit viscose fabric with a brushed finish.

Meghan carried the $1,145 Stella McCartney Falabella tote bag.

Meghan"s shoes are by Paul Andrew.

UFO No More received confirmation they are the Coquette style in camel. They are described as "a modern slingback in luxurious suede".

Meghan"s Fashion notes the Duchess accessorised with her Kismet by Milka bracelet.

Later this evening, Harry and Meghan will attend the premiere of TOTEM - Cirque du Soleil at the Royal Albert Hall in support of Sentebale. Source: http://madaboutmeghan.blogspot.com/2019/01/first-look-meghan-visits-patronage.html