Following a story in last week's Western Telegraph about the unsung heroes of the animal welfare network in Pembrokeshire, the inspiring story of Kiri the cat emerged.

When a seriously injured, young tabby crawled into Rachel Cozier's driveway in Crymych, she knew it needed immediate attention.

One kind vet agreed to see the animal at Narberth Veterinary Centre. She suspected that the poor creature had probably been dragging itself around for about three weeks and concluded that an emergency leg amputation was crucial to its survival.

"The vet contacted the RSPCA which paid a standard £60 emergency fee towards treatment costs," said Rachel. "The vets also carried out the necessary treatment at special rates."

Rachel contacted all of the well-known animal welfare groups for financial aid, only to be turned down.

"PDSA, CPL and Blue Cross refused to help because neither the cat nor I came under their strict policy conditions."

However, Rachel was then pointed in the direction of several small, local charities, who instantly agreed to help fund emergency.

Milford Haven Animal Welfare, Yvonne Parkins Rescue, Fishguard Animal Rescue and the Animal Support Group of Milford Haven all came through for Kiri as well as RSPCA and Cat Action Trust.

"The small local groups were so willing to help and yet I didn't even know who they were," said Rachel.

"People should donate to these smaller charities, where the money actually does go to animals and isn't wasted on policy making, wages and administration."