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We're turning 160 this month! 
To celebrate, we wanted to share a piece of our history from âevery decade since we opened in 1860. Stay tuned for the next hour, âas âwe showcase some of our weird and wonderful history. 
#ThrowbackThursday
To celebrate, we wanted to share a piece of our history from âevery decade since we opened in 1860. Stay tuned for the next hour, âas âwe showcase some of our weird and wonderful history. #ThrowbackThursday
When Mary Tealby founded Battersea in 1860, many were sceptical. A news article at the time was quoted: "When we hear of a home for dogs we venture to doubt if the originators and supporters of such an institution have not taken leave of their sober senses." 
#ThrowbackThursday
#ThrowbackThursday
Many don't know this, but Battersea was originally based in Islington. In 1871, we made the move to our Battersea site due to the "violent and persistent opposition of the inhabitants of Hollingsworth Streetâ. We have remained here ever since. #ThrowbackThursday
#ThrowbackThursday
In the 1880s, public opinion of animal rescue began to change: the Duke of Albany visited Battersea in 1883 and took home a Terrier called Skippy (pictured here with the Princess of Albany). His mother, Queen Victoria, became our Patron in 1885. #ThrowbackThursday
His mother, Queen Victoria, became our Patron in 1885. #ThrowbackThursday
In 1898, we expanded our work by opening a countryside annexe. The Duke and Duchess of Portland attended, and the Duke said that the annexe should be named "Dogs' Paradise, because the fortunate animals who came there could not fail to be supremely happy". #ThrowbackThursday
#ThrowbackThursday
In 1907, we opened Whittington Lodge - it was the first purpose-built cattery in the UK and had stoves inside to keep the cats warm in the winter. It still stands in Battersea today and is now aâ listed building. 
#ThrowbackThursday
#ThrowbackThursday
In 1914, Battersea set up a special fund to support people with the cost of the dog licence. We maintained this fund until they were abolished in 1987. #ThrowbackThursday
#ThrowbackThursday
In 1924, Jane Trefusis Forbes (pictured here with her beloved Dandie Dinmont Terriers) founded Bellmead Kennels. Known at that time for training Kennel Maids, the kennels later moved to the site that our Old Windsor centre still occupies today. #ThrowbackThursday
#ThrowbackThursday
For the 1930s, we have a rags-to-riches story. 
Scruffy was adopted from Battersea by a cameraman named Bernard Brown. After discovering his love of tinned salmon, Bernard trained Scruffy to act and he became the highest-paid canine of the decade! 
#ThrowbackThursday
Scruffy was adopted from Battersea by a cameraman named Bernard Brown. After discovering his love of tinned salmon, Bernard trained Scruffy to act and he became the highest-paid canine of the decade! #ThrowbackThursday
In 1940, a bomb fell on Battersea. Luckily, no animals or staff were hurt. Multiple bombs fell during this time, so our Secretary at the time E.L. Healey-Tutt, pictured here, took to sleeping in the paint shed in order to be on hand to act as a fireguard! #ThrowbackThursday
Multiple bombs fell during this time, so our Secretary at the time E.L. Healey-Tutt, pictured here, took to sleeping in the paint shed in order to be on hand to act as a fireguard! #ThrowbackThursday
In 1956, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II became a Patron of Battersea, and she has been a wonderful supporter and friend to our dogs and cats for many years. 
#ThrowbackThursday
#ThrowbackThursday
In 1967, we released our first educational film âLittle Dog Lostâ. The film was available for loan free of charge to schools and charitable groups such as the @WomensInstitute. Its key message was the importance of dog collars with contact details on the tag. #ThrowbackThursday
In 1970, Battersea opened a brand new clinic. That year, our veterinary staff treated 9,036 dogs and 417 cats. The outpatient clinic also treated 12 budgies, 1 canary, 1 ferret, 3 goldfishes, 1 guinea pig, 1 hamster, 1 sparrow and 1 rabbit. #ThrowbackThursday
#ThrowbackThursday
In 1983, Battersea took in our 2,500,000th dog! He was a cheeky stray that we named 'Lucky', and he's pictured here peeking out of the back of one of our vans. 
#ThrowbackThursday
He was a cheeky stray that we named 'Lucky', and he's pictured here peeking out of the back of one of our vans. #ThrowbackThursday
In 1998, we launched the Lost Dogs and Cats Line! Since that time, weâve reunited thousands of missing pets with their owners. #ThrowbackThursday
Since that time, weâve reunited thousands of missing pets with their owners. #ThrowbackThursday
Though we had been rescuing cats since 1883, it wasn't until 2002 that we finally included them in our name! From The Home For Lost and Starving Dogs to The Dogs Home, we became Battersea Dogs & Cats Home. #ThrowbackThursday
From The Home For Lost and Starving Dogs to The Dogs Home, we became Battersea Dogs & Cats Home. #ThrowbackThursday
We've almost caught up with present-day now, but before we finish we just had to give a shoutout our beloved #POGDOGS! The first episode aired in 2012, and Paul O'Grady has returned for 8 âseries (and one Lockdown Special) since then. #ThrowbackThursday
The first episode aired in 2012, and Paul O'Grady has returned for 8 âseries (and one Lockdown Special) since then. #ThrowbackThursday
We hope you've enjoyed this journey through the past as much as we have. Do you have any special memories or stories about Battersea over the years? Share them below, we'd love to hear them! #ThrowbackThursday
Do you have any special memories or stories about Battersea over the years? Share them below, we'd love to hear them! #ThrowbackThursday
