Could You Help The Dogs Trust?

Last weekend we visited our local Dogs Trust to see, first hand, the fabulous work they do.  We are a dog family and our dogs were all rescue dogs.  I am a big fan of this charity as any dog that cannot be rehomed has a home for life with the Dogs Trust; unlike some other rescue centres.

Our mission is to bring about the day when all dogs can enjoy a happy life, free from the threat of unnecessary destruction.

Founded in 1891 the Dogs Trust is the largest canine welfare charity in the UK with 20 centres. The charity can be responsible for over 16,ooo dogs each year.

Every dog adopted from the Dogs Trust (£100 adoption fee) is:

• Neutered (or comes with a neutering voucher if a puppy).

• Microchipped.

• Vaccinated.

• Vet Checked.

• Insured for four weeks with Pet Plan.

• Given a collar and lead, as well as a pre-adoption talk to help your dog settle in.

Once they’re at home, you’ll be able to access advice from the centre team, whenever needed, for the rest of the dog’s life.

There are many ways that you can help the Dogs Trust.  Here are just a few;

• Donate food/equipment.

• Become a member and donate regularly.

• Fundraising

• Volunteering

• Leave money in your Will to the charity

• Corporate sponsorship

• Donate instead of having wedding favours!

• Shop online at Dogs Trust shop

 

Our visit

The Newbury centre is set in a lovely quiet location, partly in beautiful barn buildings (very picturesque!).  I could tell immediately how passionate the staff, not least Manager Nicki, were about all the dogs in their care.

We were shown round the centre and I really enjoyed hearing about the various initiatives to help the dogs in their care and promote the centre’s work. At Newbury you can sponsor dogs that live at the centre permanently. These dogs cannot be rehomed for various reasons, some completely heartbreaking, and so will live out their days in the centre.  All the dogs have time out of their pens and also go for a walk or a play in the training field. This creates an enriching environment in which the dogs can thrive and is of paramount importance to all at the centre.  Indeed all the dogs seemed happy and relaxed.

There is a room in which the dogs are initially assessed, so the staff know whether they wreck furniture or pee on it!  This information is then used to help the dog find a suitable new home.  Newbury also has a Jigsaw dog scheme, to promote the dogs that are a little harder to rehome, as they deserve their forever home too.  Baby enjoyed exploring, but got slightly frustrated when she found out she couldn’t cuddle all the dogs!

While we were there I got to play in the field with some lovely dogs who are currently looking for a home.  I thought I would introduce them to you, in case one of you can help.  Even though these dogs are at Newbury, as long as you can visit the dog a couple of times during the adoption process, you can adopt out of area.

Pippa

Meet Pippa, a three-year-old Patterdale Terrier who is ready for her ‘close up’ as the leading lady of a new home.

Jenny Hopkins, Assistant Manager at Dogs Trust Newbury, says,

“Pippa is a bouncy, friendly girl who loves being the centre of attention. Whilst she would like to be the only dog in her new home, she enjoys human company and is at her happiest when curling up next to her favourite people on the sofa.”

“Pippa is an active young dog with quite a high chase drive so will need to be walked on a lead when out and about. She would be best suited to a home with a big garden where she can enjoy some off-lead fun and continue her training. Pippa could live with older children, aged 13 and over.”

Munch and Rusty

Munch and Rusty are a pair of terrific Terriers who are looking for a very special owner to give them both a loving home.

Jenny Hopkins, Assistant Manager at Dogs Trust Newbury, says:

“These adorable Terriers are a bit of an odd couple but they are totally devoted to one another just the same. Eighteen-month-old Rusty is the more energetic of the two and will need to be kept stimulated with plenty of training – possibly even agility classes. He loves his toys and ball games are his favourite. Four-year-old Munch is a sweet, affectionate boy who adores cuddling up to his carers.”

“Despite their different personalities, Rusty and Munch are like two “pups-in-a-pod” who love nothing more than sleeping side-by-side together the sofa. They are the best of friends and will settle into a new home well with their buddy by their side. They are looking for a home with a secure garden, ideally in a rural location away from too much hustle and bustle and can live with older children.”

“We often see canine couples come in together and as they are always so attached, it wouldn’t be fair to split them up. Rehoming a pair of dogs can be incredibly rewarding, especially if it means you’re helping to keep a friendship together and we hope Rusty and Munch can scamper two-by-two to a new home soon.”

These three dogs were such good fun to play with and I almost tried to sneak Munch out under my coat.  If you could offer a home to any of these dogs please contact the Newbury Centre on 01488 658391.

Have you adopted a dog?  Could you help the Dogs Trust?

 

Disclosure: I have not been compensated for this post. I have share the information as it is a charity I love. 

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