A ‘Happy’ Ending October 16, 2008
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Kendal was a 10 year old spayed female lurcher. She had the most beautiful nature — timid but very friendly — yet had been found tied to a telegraph pole on a country road. She had been restrained using a man’s neck tie, and was in a pitiful condition of neglect.
Kendal passed away comfortably in her sleep last night. She had spent the last months of her life in the home of an experienced vet from the Glenburn Clinic. It is with thanks and sympathy that we extend our wishes to Kendal’s loving foster-carers.
The job of the foster-carer can go so often go unmentioned. In this case we want to thank the family in question for opening their home and their hearts to this gentle lady. Without their love and care Kendal’s passing would have occurred under very different circumstances. It is so important that our charges who have received less than adequate treatment in life are given all the love possible at the end. With Kendal, we could not have hoped for more.
Farewell to Jed July 28, 2008
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Sadly, our Long-Term resident ‘Jed’ had to be put to sleep on Friday the 25th of July 2008. He had been suffering from internal problems for some time now. As they progressed, so his quality of life deteriorated, to the point whereby the kindest thing to do was release him from pain.
Jed had arrived at the Mid-Antrim Animal Sanctuary on the 6th of June, 1998. He was already a mature dog which would have put him in the region of 11 - 14 years of age.
He was a much loved character at the Sanctuary. No one will miss him more than his kennel partner, ‘Candy’: having been together for many years, the two were inseparable. They always took their walks together and shared treats. Like most elderly couples, they seemed to know exactly what the other was about to do.
We would like to offer our sympathy to all the loyal voluntary walkers who spent so much time with Jed, who grew to adore the gruff bark reserved for his feline neighbours, and his puppy-like behaviour when treats were forthcoming. He will be sadly missed by all the staff, residents and volunteers.
Holmes: 1995 – 2008 June 7, 2008
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Holmes arrived at the Mid-Antrim Animal Sanctuary in 1998. His original owners had been intimidated right out of their house, and asked the Sanctuary to mind him until they found sanctuary themselves. Weeks turned to months, until they eventually rang to say they could no longer keep him. He remained at the Sanctuary almost ever since, bar one week in an unsuitable home.
In the last four months of his life he lived in comfort with his foster carer, Moira (a regular dog walker and volunteer at the Sanctuary) outside Carrickfergus.
Sadly a tumour was found in his stomach, and the veterinary surgeon decided the kindest thing to do was to let Holmes go. He passed away painlessly today, in the company of his much loved carer and the vet; a sad release from his very colourful life. Holmes was incredibly popular at the Sanctuary and was the most-sponsored dog we have ever had! The public and his regular visitors absolutely adored this wee man who had so much personality.
Although the kindest outcome was achieved, it is only a slight comfort to those who will miss him immensely. He touched us all: whether it was your heart or the backs of your ankles, Holmes left his mark and we will always remember him with love.
