Tributes flow in after pet charity organiser dies

Nov 19 2009 by Alistair Watson, West Lothian Courier

TRIBUTES have been paid to Petsearch West Lothian organiser Florence Ashcroft, who passed away recently.

Florence set up the West Lothian branch of the organisation, which aims to reunite lost pets with their owners, in 1994.

The 65-year-old worked tirelessly to help thousands of animals who were found in the West Lothian area.

The Polbeth woman passed away in her sleep on October 25.

Her funeral service was packed with family, friends and people Florence had helped to reunite with their missing pets over the 15 years when she was in charge of the Petsearch charity.

Friends Kitty Jones and Gina Faulds will now take on the job of running Petsearch West Lothian and this week paid tribute to Florence for her selfless work in running the voluntary organisation.

Gina said: “She was well known by so many people in West Lothian for her tireless devotion to reuniting lost pets with their owners.

“Pets reunited with their grateful owners by Florence included cats, dogs, rabbits, birds and ferrets.

“In establishing Petsearch, Florence introduced a detailed record of lost and found animals and developed many relationships with a number of vets in West Lothian as well as the SSPCA, Seafield Cat and Dog Home, the police, Lothian Cat Rescue and Cat Protection League.

“A collection for donations towards the continuation of Petsearch West Lothian was held at the end of Florence’s funeral service and the magnificent sum of £301.16 was raised, which is a fine tribute to her memory.”

Kitty added: “She worked incredibly hard every day, including Christmas day one year.

“She had such an enthusiasm and was always willing to speak to people about their pets and give them advice on how to get them back.

“Florence would go round the local areas, looking for the pets, and never gave up.

“She was a larger-than-life character and there will not be another one like her.

“She will be much missed by so many people.”

The pair would like to thank everyone who has supported Florence over the years and said they look forward to their continued support in the future.

They can be contacted on the new Petsearch number which is 01506 870305.