Summer Skool August 28, 2007
Posted by Jonny Mitchell in : Latest News , 1 comment so far
Hi, my name is Josh and I’ve been volunteering at the Mid-Antrim Animal Sanctuary this summer. I started my work here at about the start of July and thoroughly enjoyed my experience. I’ve made lots of friends and a new best friend who I have named Clifford!
Clifford is a 12-week-old male pup. Although he’s a mongrel, there are several breeds which I think you can see in his make-up. He has the head of a Doberman, the legs of a Greyhound, the chest of a Jack Russell and the colours of a Rottweiler.
He has been very sick and very nearly died not too long ago, so that is why I took him home with me and spoiled him to bits! I’m glad to say he’s making a full recovery and settling in with me.
My jobs at the Sanctuary have included:
- Cleaning the dogs kennels, in the morning and a check over in the afternoon
- Cleaning the cattery (but not so often; I would rather do the dogs)
- Dog walking and grooming
- Dish washing
- Dealing with the general public and getting dogs out for the volunteers
I also did quite well on Open Day at the Sanctuary, because I entered my favourite dog there, ‘Mandy’ in the dog show and we came 1st for the best groomed dog. Now Mandy has a very nice and very good home and I bet she’s sitting in her bed with a great life ahead of her.
I’ll be sad to go back to school and know I’ll miss all my new friends, four legs or otherwise. I do still plan to come back on the odd weekend’s but then I’m already looking forward to coming back next summer.
Bye,
Yours sincerely
Josh
The 3000th dog to leave these shores August 28, 2007
Posted by Jonny Mitchell in : Latest News , add a commentThe 15th of August 2007 saw the 3000th dog leave these shores and arrive in the Kenilworth branch of Dogs Trust in England. Included on that particular trip was one of the Mid-Antrim Animal Sanctuary’s long standing residents, ‘Bosco’. Like his namesake, ‘Bosco’ was a loyal and faithful companion to his devoted walkers. Although he will be sadly missed, the positive aspect of his departure far outweighs our despondancy.
Possessing a laid back gentle nature, Bosco was popular with our walkers young and old, but didn’t attract the attention of a prospective owner. With small house dogs being in vogue, a lanky elderly lurchers chances of finding a home were slim at best, but the sanctuary staff knew that Bosco’s adorable personality would eventually win him one.
With this in mind the Sanctuary staff did not hesitate to include him in the ‘Chance of a Lifetime Scheme’ which took him to Kenilworth Dogs Trust in England. We all knew chances of rehoming him there would be quadrupled! This was a wonderful opportunity and one Bosco thoroughly deserved. The Dogs Trust’s offer of homing Northern Irish dogs has been invaluable and our gratitude exceeds any thanks we could offer. This superb chance of a home from Sanctuaries in England bears a sad reflection on our society. Why do we in Northern Ireland destroy more dogs than England, Scotland and Wales put together? It is something we must all address and be ashamed of.
The knowledge of Bosco and the 3000th dog came from one of his voluntary walkers. They took the time to trace his whereabouts and inform us of his well-being, and were able to tell us that he may well in fact be the 3000th dog to be taken in by the Dogs Trust. Although they wish to remain anonymous we would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their thoughtfulness and tireless devotion to the long-term residents at the Mid-Antrim Animal Sanctuary. The information highlighted from their concerned enquiry should give us all food for thought and encourage us to take responsibility for the helpless, unwanted members of our blinkered society.
Charlie’s Angels? August 28, 2007
Posted by Jonny Mitchell in : Rehoming , add a comment
The picture accompanying this article portrays the cruelest aspect of nature’s survival of the fittest. This tiny male tabby kitten (who has been named Charlie) was abandoned by his mother and left to die after having his eyes pecked out by birds.
His fate would have been inevitable had it not been for a kindly member of the public who rescued him and took him to Glenburn Veterinary Clinic in Crumlin.
The Mid-Antrim Animal Sanctuary has always had a close relationship with the clinics in the locality so when we heard of the shocking plight of this tiny kitten our manager, Margaret Wade, did not hesitate to get on the phone and find an emergency foster carer.
Solace came in the form of George Anderson and his wife, Grace. They are long-time members of the Sanctuary and have in their care several cats with severe disabilities including blindness, deafness and low immune system. The kitten could not await a home in more capable hands. As both eye sockets are infected it may take a couple of weeks before the lids are in a condition to be stitched closed. In the interim he will receive the best of care and medication to ensure the rest of his life is a much happier one.
If you feel you are the person to offer a home to little Charlie, who has had the most atrocious start in life, please get in touch. If you are ringing the Sanctuary out of hours, please leave a message and we will get in touch.
Report and Photos from Sunday’s Motorcycle Rideout August 21, 2007
Posted by Jonny Mitchell in : Events, Latest News , add a commentSunday the 12th of August saw an excellent turnout of motobikes and
trikes, despite the ominous weather forecast. The day saw over 230 bikes pass through the Sanctuary gates raising £1285.00, so far!
The funds raised will provide runs for two of the Sanctuary’s special needs dogs, an absolutely invaluable contribution to the premises and moreover, Stanley and Duke’s quality of life.
We would like to thank all the volunteers who worked so hard to make the day possible and to everyone who turned up in support You all made the day a wonderful success! With this in mind we look forward to planning next years 8th Annual Motorbike Rideout.
