Barney and Scrumpy, Homeward Bound September 12, 2007
Posted by Jonny Mitchell in : Latest News , add a comment
On the 19th of June, 2007 the Mid-Antrim Animal Sanctuary Staff greeted two very sad new arrivals. Their upset owners had been offered the chance of a lifetime – a three year work placement in America. Barney, who had originally been a Sanctuary resident several years previous, recognised his surroundings and seemed to comfort Scrumpy.
Their distraught owners left them in the Sanctuary’s care on the Tuesday and by that Friday they had formed a remarkable bond with our devoted volunteers, Winston and Geraldine Livingstone. The couple, who are both retired, are faithful volunteers who fell for the Labradors with the ardour of the owners themselves.
Two months passed with Barney and Scrumpy looking forward with eager anticipation to their friends taking them out for adventures on an almost daily basis. With this in mind it was with a heavy heart that we broke the news of Barney and Scrumpys Pet-Passports and Veterinary Checks amounting to their imminent departure. Their Owners had been working tirelessly to secure their trip to the U.S.A. to be with them.
On the 3rd of September Mr. and Mrs. Cowton found themselves in the midst of a bouncy tail-wagging frenzy! The joyous reunion and painstaking paperwork involved spoke volumes of their love for their pets.
We were all both happy and sad to see them go – none more so than the kindly Livingstone couple, to whom we dedicate this story. Without their love and commitment to these elderly dogs their stay here would have signalled dissolution and inevitably, two more ‘Long-Term’ residents. So, on behalf of Barney and Scrumpy and for being the very definition of the Sanctuary’s ‘commitment to care’ – “Our Heartfelt Thanks!”
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.
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.
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Sponsored Dog Walk 2007 July 4, 2007
Posted by Jonny Mitchell in : Latest News , add a commentSaturday the 16th June 2007
The day of the Sponsored Dog Walk may not have been the best day weather-wise but saw an excellent turnout at the Mid-Antrim Animal Sanctuary.
A dedicated assembly of up to forty fervent supporters arrived at the premises at noon, either with their own pooch or eagerly awaiting a walking buddy.
Although the overcast sky shrouded our friends in a fine drizzle spirits were high. Everyone enjoyed a scenic walk, especially the Sanctuary residents who thoroughly appreciated all the excitement and exercise. Our damp friends then returned to the Sanctuary for refreshments, a look around and a good natter. All the Sanctuary dogs got a walk that day, which is success enough itself but the added bonus was the amount raised by our friends and members. A princely sum of £1439.34 has been raised so far!! A fantastic achievement by everyone involved and still the money is coming in so a final amount has not been totalled.
We would like to thank everyone for coming along and making the day a rousing success! We look forward to seeing you all again very soon. If you are interested in running a fund raising event please do not hesitate to get in touch, ALL IDEAS are welcome!
