Video: Fond farewell to 35-year-old Shetland pony Puddy, National Animal Welfare Trust's longest resident

A Great Shefford-based charity has said 'farewell' to a much loved member of the centre.

National Animal Welfare Trust manager Tracy Waldron announced the passing of Patience, affectionately known as Puddy, today (Wednesday) on social media.

She said: "Working in rescue is always a roller coaster of emotions and this week is no exception.

"Monday we were celebrating the success of our first event in two years …today we face a day none of us ever wanted to face even though we all knew in our hearts it was coming.

"Today we had to say a sad farewell to ‘Patience’ aka Puddy, our Shetland, the charity’s longest resident, who reached the grand age of 35.

"Patience came to us in 2003 and became everyone’s favourite, it was soon apparent her name didn’t really describe her so we called her Puddy as that seemed to suit her better. Puddy was a proper little madam, she was cheeky, she knew what she wanted and when she wanted it and she was far from patient.

"Puddy had numerous health issues but that never let her stop enjoying life and bossing us all around, she was often seen on the stable yard due to her laminitis, busy pushing around a treat ball, when the ball was empty we all knew about it.

"Staff and visitors of all ages loved Puddy so she was never short of attention and admirers. For her age she was incredible.

"Over the last week Puddy had stopped eating and we couldn’t get her to take any of her medication, we tried everything and on the advice of the vets we reluctantly decided to let her go to sleep that final time with dignity, surrounded by those who cared for her."

NAWT fundraising officer Cy Grove added: "Puddy was a shining example that we will continue to help any animal for as long as they need us and it is the community's support that allows us to do this.

"We would like to invite those who loved her to make a donation in her name to help her fellow friends at Trindledown Farm as well as those who will need help in the future.

"We thank everyone for helping us to care for Puddy and for enabling us to give her the most comfortable life that she deserved.

"There will never be another Puddy, for that reason we will putting up a plaque on her stable so it will be known as Puddy’s Stable from now on, so everyone can remember her for many years to come.

"Sleep well Puddy, you were so loved, thank you for all the memories as they will always make us smile."

For more information about the NAWT or to donate visit www.nawt.org.uk