At home with the animals How I live... CAROLYN'S CARING CRUSADE

HELPING US HELP ANIMALS (HUHA) FOUNDER CAROLYN PRESS McKENZIE, 50, FROM EASTBOURNE, WELLINGTON, HAS RESCUED, REHABILITATED AND REHOMED THOUSANDS OF CUDDLY CREATURES

- LEENA TAILOR

“Growing up, our Siamese cat Blue was my best friend. He’d walk me to the school bus, come grocery shopping and join us on family holidays. In our home, the animal was part of the family and valued and engaged in everything we did. It set the tone for me.

I failed School Certificate and sixth form, and didn’t have great career aspirations, aside from wanting to write greeting cards! My mum laughs that I got there in the end because I write social media posts, so I still affect people with my words.

I landed an after-school/ weekend job caring for horses at a race track, where I worked for a wonderful trainer, but there were others who were devastating to watch. I learned how vulnerable animals are and that their life’s only as good as an owner allows.

I saw one horse hogtied and hung upside down because it hadn’t gone fast enough. The trainer was kicking and yelling. At 15, I didn’t have a voice or know what to do, so I turned away and that’s always stayed with me. Now I have a very loud voice!

I left school at 16 to become a vet nurse, working fulltime while getting a Diploma of Animal Science and Technology. If an animal came into the clinic to be euthanised for inappropriate behaviour, I’d chat with the owners and there was always an explanation – a new boyfriend or baby or a bullying cat in the house. We’d rehome them to somewhere they could be happy.