Ballot Winners January 14, 2008
Posted by Jonny Mitchell in : Latest News , 2 commentsJust a word also to thank you all for supporting the Christmas Ballot. Just a few of us gathered in the tiny sanctuary kitchen for mince pies and mulled apple juice to witness the draw which was supervised by Danny Kinahan from the Antrim Borough Council.
Winners:
1st: Anne Whyte - Newcastle
2nd: S McLaughlin - Muckamore
3rd: Anne McWilliams - Coleraine
4th: Maureen Hill - Glengormley
5th: Geraldine Stranney - Carrickfergus
6th: Nigel Monty
7th: H Stevenson - Belfast
8th: Tanya Beattie - Randalstown
9th: Beth McCluskey - Islandmagee
10th: Robert Foster - Merville Garden Village
We would like to thank you for your support in 2007 and wish you a healthy and prosperous 2008 Many thanks.
Charity Pantomime In Aid of Mid-Antrim Animal Sanctuary January 14, 2008
Posted by Jonny Mitchell in : Latest News , add a commentThe Dove Theatre Group presents:
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
in the Courtyard Theatre, Ballyearl, Newtownabbey.
Charity performance on Tues Jan 22nd 2008
(All proceeds to MAAS)
Tickets available from Courtyard Theatre.
Phone 028 9084 8287
Show starts at 7.45pm
Wine and cheese reception at 7.00pm
Price: £8 (includes reception)
The Plight of the Rottweiler January 5, 2008
Posted by Jonny Mitchell in : Latest News , 1 comment so far
This is Max, one of the 13 Rottweilers at the Mid-Antrim Animal Sanctuary. Our escalating numbers of this particular breed is due to several reasons. Firstly, you may be aware of the recent press coverage of horrific incidents which involved Rottweilers. The savagery leaves no room for excuses yet adds to the stigma attached to this breed which stems from their guarding reputation now descending into fear and loathing.
In the days following the horrendous attacks, perpetrated by Rottweilers, which were featured on television the Sanctuary received an unprecedented number of calls and visits from Rottweiler owners – all wanting to part with their pet due to fear. These dogs had been harmless, loyal companions for many years. This trend seems set to continue as we are still regularly receiving calls and run the risk of becoming a Sanctuary for these dogs alone.
Kennel space is of the essence and no shelter can afford to only house dogs which, for one reason or another, stand very little chance of being homed. Mid-Antrim Animal Sanctuary is always full outside its capacity with a waiting list stretching beyond the foreseeable future. The Rottweilers presently in our care arrived for varying reasons; people starting a family and lacking the time, not realising the effort required to care for a large breed, over-breeding – resulting in unwanted litters, abandonment, rescued cruelty cases, not being aware of the size a Rottweiler can become and, of course, fear of the biting potential.
The truth is, a Rottweiler raised and treated with love and care will be an absolute joy to have as part of the family. They are gentle and tolerant creatures by nature and have a strong urge for companionship. Their ‘use’ as guard dogs leaves them frustrated and destructive as their intelligence means they thrive on stimulation and socialisation.
The Rottweilers at the Sanctuary need a patient and devoted owner. If you think this appeal applies to you, or anyone you know, please get in touch – our helpful staff will talk you through all the requirements and give you the dog’s history. We will endeavour to match you up with the perfect pet and perhaps, if that companion is not a Rottweiler, you may fall for one of our other forty residents!
Not Forgotten January 2, 2008
Posted by Jonny Mitchell in : Latest News , add a comment
This time of year brings an element of reflection and here at the
Mid-Antrim Animal Sanctuary we take the opportunity to remember with
fondness residents who have passed over to ‘Rainbow Bridge’ during
2007.
If you are familiar with any of the following Sanctuary dwellers you
may also want to take a moment to reminisce. On behalf of each of them
the staff and volunteers would like to Thank You for taking the time
to befriend a Sanctuary inhabitant:
‘Ebony’, Black Cat. 20th March
‘Monty’, FIV Cat. 31st August
‘Twiggy’, Beagle. 11th September
‘Frankie Gilchrist’, FIV Cat, Long-Term Foster. 26th September
‘Roxy’, Staffie. 29th September
‘Tara’, Lurcher. 25th October
‘Seamus’ Grey and White Cat. 29th October
‘Harpo’, FIV Cat. 30th November
‘Dexter’, Staffie. 17th December
The accompanying photograph is of ‘Tara’. She was the Sanctuary’s
oldest resident, in that she was in our care since the Sanctuary
opened 11 years ago. Her timidity and gentleness reminds us just how
important a place of refuge is for such beautiful, yet unwanted,
members of our society.
