Open Day at the Mid-Antrim Animal Sanctuary fell on the 9th of August this year, with the customary unpredictable summer weather. Due to the sudden death of long-time Sanctuary volunteer and friend, Dr. Robin Sinclair, the times of the event were changed as a mark of respect, as well as to allow staff and volunteers to attend his funeral. A devoted member and ardent supporter of the Sanctuary, Dr. Sinclair would have wanted the Open Day to go ahead. Nevertheless, it was with a heavy heart that the event took place.

The Sanctuary gates opened to the public at 10am, which meant staff and volunteers had been cleaning and organising from very early on. The run-up to the opening saw torrential rain which dampened not only our bedraggled workers, but the already melancholic mood.

By 11am, however, weather and spirits both lifted as the sun began to shine. With music, activities and a general bustle, everyone began to dry out and focus on their allocated tasks. We would like to acknowledge Willy here, who runs the T2 Mobile Disco: his upbeat tunes always entertain the crowd, and every year he provides his services for free. A huge thank-you to Willy! Indeed, thanks to everyone who gave up their time and energy in order to make the day a success: staff, volunteers, committee members and the public all gave unreservedly to this annual event which raises an essential amount used towards Sanctuary running costs and public awareness - two factors which enable the Mid-Antrim Animal Sanctuary to continue their ‘commitment to care’, a sentiment which was always close to Dr. Sinclair’s heart, and one which we’re all very proud to be able to honour for the foreseeable future.

To view the gallery of this event please click on the accompanying photograph.

Our deepest sympathies to Mr Sinclair’s wife Pat, from all their friends at the Sanctuary.

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.

The weather on the evening of Sunday the 20th of July was nothing short of glorious: the sun shone as more than sixty volunteers assembled in the car park of the Mid-Antrim Animal Sanctuary, eager to exercise their allocated canine companions.

As the walkers left the premises, another team of volunteers busied themselves barbequing a veritable feast. Burgers, veggie burgers and kebabs were the order of the day.

No one appreciated the day more than the dogs themselves. Every dog in the Sanctuary enjoyed a wonderful walk, and the money donated in sponsorship will benefit them for many months to come. Although an exact total has not been tallied yet, at the time of writing the amount is in the region of one and a half thousand pounds!

This has been a tremendously rewarding event; as such, the Sanctuary would like to thank everyone involved. Their time, cooking expertise and tireless fundraising resulted in a successful and fun day out for everyone. We would also like to express our gratitude to Jollye’s in Glengormley for kindly donating the dog leads which helped to make the event run smoothly and efficiently.

For a look at the photographs taken before, during and after the walk just click on the accompanying picture of ‘Seth’ and ‘Wallace’ with their human walking buddies!