Race For Life April 1, 2010
Posted by Jonny Mitchell in : Stories , add a commentBy Lauren McCarter, March 2010
PICTURE (L – R): Lauren McCarter (author), Natasha, Adam and Jodie with Sanctuary Greyhounds
It’s cold and wet; I think I’ve been here for four days – at least. I’m starving. I can’t look for food as I can’t break free. I’m very lonely and I wonder how much longer I’m going to be here for. I think my owner left me here because I came last in a race. I didn’t think it meant so much to him. I thought he loved me – I was wrong.
Another day has passed and it’s getting colder; I hope someone will find me and help me soon. So many cars have passed but they must not have noticed me here. Oh, wait! There’s a car slowing down as it comes towards me! It’s white with bright yellow and blue. It’s getting closer – it’s coming for me – should I be scared? Maybe they are here to help?
They’re getting out and one is walking towards me. I’m scared but there’s nothing I can do. I’m frozen with fear as the man sets a bowl of food before me. He talks to me gently as he slips a lead around my neck and unties me from the post. Still talking gently, he leads me to the van with the food in his hand. He opens the door and I jump in immediately, feeling safer. He closes the door and starts to drive while the other man reassures me that I am safe, at last.
We drive for a few minutes until the van slows and comes to a stop. The door opens and I hear other dogs barking. Am I back at the race track? It doesn’t look like the races; it’s too small to be. I’m lead through a door and passed a desk, through another door then in to a hallway where I meet a girl who talks to me. She gives me food and water. After I’m fed and watered I’m lead back out through the doors and passed the desk then in to a kennel. I read on the girls T-shirt (when she bends down to stroke me) Mid-Antrim Animal Sanctuary. I know now that I am not at the track; I’m with people who can look after me, and love me, until I find a home.
I’m happy here. I have a warm bed, food and water. If I hadn’t come here, who knows what could have happened to me?
A Sporting Chance April 1, 2010
Posted by Jonny Mitchell in : Stories , add a commentBy Natasha Lowry, April 2010
On average almost fifteen thousand greyhounds are euthanized every year in the United Kingdom as they can no longer race. This can be due to an injury or age. A greyhound’s life should not have to end because they are hurt or old; they should be able to find a loving home with an owner who cares for them. A Sanctuary is another option, for them to live while they wait for a home to live out the rest of their lives.
Here, at the Mid-Antrim Animal Sanctuary, we have experienced an influx of greyhounds over the years. At our peak, we were home to fourteen greyhounds during one period of time, and sadly, could not take any more due to the lack of kennel space.
We do try our best to take in all the animals we can but sometimes it’s just not possible as the shelter is always full. At present the Mid-Antrim Animal Sanctuary has ten greyhounds all searching for loving homes. The following details the backgrounds, in brief, of two of our greyhound residents:
Harland
‘Harland’ is one of our ex-racers. He is a handsome two year old silver-blue greyhound. He came to the Mid-Antrim Animal Sanctuary in March 2009. Harland had not been meeting the racing standards and was due to be euthanized. Fortunately we were able to offer him a second chance and help him find a loving home.
Lily
‘Lily’ is another of our ex-racers who came to be with us in November 2009. She is four years old and is a beautiful brindle and white, with an affectionate personality. Lily came from a race track which was closing down. This meant that Lily (and all the other dogs from the track) faced being euthanized. Lily, along with two fellow racers, came to the Mid-Antrim Animal Sanctuary whilst the others found shelter in various animal sanctuaries and a few homes. All Lily longs for now is a loving home where she can be cared for and loved.
It is heart-breaking to imagine the fate of these greyhounds had space not been made available. With a growing interest in racing as a ‘Good Night Out’ and profitable pass-time we are preparing ourselves for the inevitable outcome; the backlash of this gambling and racing hits the greyhounds hardest with Sanctuaries like Mid-Antrim full beyond capacity. If you cannot open your home to adopt a greyhound, please help by opening your heart and sponsoring one.
Ollie’s Best Christmas Ever December 23, 2009
Posted by Jonny Mitchell in : Stories , 3 commentsAssistant Manager John McCartney writes:
Hi folks,
I felt I had to post these photos to let our supporters know why we are so grateful for your continued support.
11-month-old Ollie was brought to us from the dog warden on Tuesday the 8th. I had been told on the phone that he had been a victim of a dispute between neighbours, and had been attacked by someone who threw acid over him. That did not prepare me for what stood in front of me that morning when the dog warden removed Ollie’s coat (a coat he had bought himself, as he was so moved by Ollie’s injuries).
Not only was I surprised by the horrific injuries Ollie had suffered; somehow this poor wee dog still showed so much affection to humans. As I knelt down on one knee, he put his paws on my shoulder and licked my face. I am not afraid to admit to tears.
Happily, since then Ollie has found a new owner in a another good friend of the sanctuary who was visiting that day, and went home on the 11th. Without people like yourselves, the likes of Ollie would have nowhere to turn. Thanks to all of you, and a Happy Christmas from Ollie and friends.
Ambassador of Hope November 5, 2009
Posted by Jonny Mitchell in : Stories , add a commentIt is with our sincere apologies that we belatedly acknowledge a wonderful gift. Time and circumstance lead us to overlook the most charitable of donations from an incredible young lady, and for that we apologise.
Shannon Clarke, who turned eleven years of age in early summer of this year, asked nothing for herself. Instead, she accepted donations on behalf of the Mid-Antrim Animal Sanctuary residents; raising a staggering £320.00! Such generosity in this marvellous young lady deserves to be applauded and recognised. A beautiful ambassador for the neediest members of our society, Shannon is a shining example of why the Sanctuary exists. As we approach Christmas in these dark days of recession it is kind-hearted individuals such as Miss Shannon Clarke who give us hope. From all the dogs and cats in our care: a huge thank-you, Shannon.
Discover the Mid-Antrim Animal Sanctuary… May 8, 2009
Posted by Jonny Mitchell in : Stories , add a commentWe received a very interesting email recently concerning a certain dog you may have seen recently:
Hi, we got a wee brown puppy from you almost 10 years ago; she was born in the Sanctuary to a Springer. Trassey recently turned 10 (she got a plush singing birthday cake, a liver & garlic birthday cake and a squeaky pig). She was adopted as a puppy from Mid Antrim and has brought us nothing but joy, she’s still a beauty at her age and often gets stopped on walkies for admiration..she actually expects it! She now lives with her little brother (a rescue border collie; Dexter) in the countryside. She recently appeared in a NI Tourist Board advertisement on TV throughout the UK, and has been seen by approx 16 million people.
All rescue dogs deserve adoring homes, they’re homeless through no fault of their own, and enhance your life more than you could imagine. I would urge everyone not to support breeding and selling of little lives, but to give a home to a doggie from a sanctuary. End the shame of Northern Irelands’ rates of animal cruelty and abandonment. You’ll wonder why you didn’t rehome a dog years ago! They could go on to be tv stars!
Becky and ‘Trassey’ Glenn
You can see the advert mentioned by Becky here (it’s number “02″ on the film player).
In Memory of a Beloved Daughter February 6, 2009
Posted by Jonny Mitchell in : Stories , 3 comments
We would like to extend our most sincere condolences to the friends and family, and especially parents, of Elyce Lewsey, who was tragically killed in a car crash last October.
Elyce was a great animal lover, so her parents have made the incredibly thoughtful gesture of making a donation to the Sanctuary in her name. We would like to express our gratitude, and again our deep sympathy.
We are very pleased to be donating this money to the Mid-Antrim Animal Sanctuary in memory of our dear daughter, Elyce Lewsey, who was killed on the Stonyford Road on the 31st of October 2008, the result of a tragic accident. Elyce loved animals and we used to say that she liked animals more than people!
Elyce took a great interest in the Animal Sanctuary and we are certain that she would be extremely happy that this donation is going to such a worthy cause.We would like to thank everyone who donated for their kindness.
Mr. S. W. and Mrs. C. V. Lewsey
The Dark Days of Winter December 27, 2008
Posted by Jonny Mitchell in : Stories , add a commentIt is always heart warming to witness the outstanding kindness and generosity of strangers. With Christmas comes a time of year which can often bring out the best in people and one such kind soul is Rosemary Brady.
Having only visited the Mid-Antrim Animal Sanctuary for the first time in November, Rosemary took it upon herself to sell raffle tickets and organise her own ballot to support the residents in our care. Every prize was collected by her and hundreds of tickets sold.
By the time of the draw Rosemary had raised hundreds of pounds and made a lot of people very happy by letting them know of their win! We would like to extend our gratitude to Rosemary Brady for everything she has achieved. Her selfless contribution will benefit the neediest during the dark days of winter.
Rosemary Brady, Top Left
A Love of Water December 27, 2008
Posted by Jonny Mitchell in : Stories , add a commentDear All,
Attached are a few pictures of Ripley, now aged 9 and a half months. We adopted her as a two month old puppy, then named Missy, back in April and have been loving her ever since!
It turns out she loves walking, adores the water and likes nothing more than a good play with other dogs. She’s sweet, friendly, bright and mischievous!
The whole family have been blessed by her. She now acts as a big sister to a relative’s puppy (you can see him in one of the photographs) and the two are now firm friends.
God Bless you all this Christmas
