In The Running… May 17, 2010
Posted by Jonny Mitchell in : Events , add a commentAfter months of hard work, training and fund raising for the Belfast Marathon, the Mid-Antrim Animal Sanctuary would like to say a huge THANK YOU to all our runners. They all did a fantastic job so it is with great pleasure we can announce their sterling effort raised in the region of £4335.00!
Our Runners, group picture (left – right): Jason Parks, Janine Brownlees, Shane Steele, Amanda Watt, Alice Devlin, Darren Sales and Davy Patterson (Not pictured – a wonderful participant: Denise Walker).
Also, without the inspiring dedication of Andrew Ross and his relay team who raised a staggering £570.00 this incredible total could not have been achieved. (Pictures to follow at a later date).
Valerie
Finally we must make special acknowledgement for an amazing young woman who ran 10K of the Scottish Woman’s’ Marathon, raising a phenomenal £765.00. Valerie McKenna (pictured), for her extraordinary single-handed achievement (and for the support of your aforementioned accomplices); the residents of the Mid-Antrim Animal Sanctuary are the real winners. For that we thank you, on their behalf.
May, 2010
D Wilson
Credit Crunch April 22, 2010
Posted by Jonny Mitchell in : Appeals , add a commentAs you are no doubt aware, the current financial climate has left everyone tightening their belts, leaving Sanctuaries such as Mid-Antrim in an even more precarious position. Family pets, along with their veterinary treatment and upkeep, are no longer a priority in most households; the impact of which has hit charity organisations in the worst possible way. The influx of unwanted ‘presents’ and general apathy towards long-time family pets has put us in a uncertain state financially.
We are finding, at this present time, that a lot of people can no longer afford to feed and keep their pets – never mind pay a veterinary bill which was likely to exceed their upkeep alone.
In the situation whereby an owner cannot afford treatment for their pet there are organisations to help. With Pounds and Sanctuaries reaching their limits with regards to space as well as finance, we ask that if you have a talent or trade to offer, no matter how insignificant you feel it is, we could certainly use your input. Giving up your time can be of the utmost importance during a period when disposable income and donations are on the wane.
There’s nothing more fulfilling than the act of giving.
Tele: 028 94463993
Janine’s Dogs Have Their Day April 22, 2010
Posted by Jonny Mitchell in : Good News , add a commentCongrats to Janine and her Sanctuary dogs!
[Article replicated from Antrim Guardian]
Janine and friends win at Crufts
An Antrim veterinary clinic worker is celebrating following success at
Crufts, where she was part of the Northern Ireland team which bagged
the Obedience ‘World Cup’.
Janine Brownlees, with team mates Sam McCracken,
Tracey McKinley, Carol Walker and Michael McCartney entered the world-famous dog show to represent the Province in the
competition which displays dog behavioural training at its best.
The Firmount Veterinary Clinic staff member trained her two dogs, Jack
and Chloe, to a world-class standard, and Crufts judges were so
impressed with their team effort, that they awarded the NI squad first
place in the international obedience category.
Janine’s two mongrel dogs, who she discovered at the Mid-Antrim Animal
Sanctuary, were joined by Border Collies Ben and Storm for last
week’s event, and the winning team are preparing to continue their
success in the local dog show circuit over the coming months.
Speaking to the Antrim Guardian, Janine said: “I have been involved in
dog obedience training for seven years, and regularly attend one or
two dog shows a month.
“Last Christmas, myself and my two dogs were selected for the Northern
Ireland team to enter the Obedience World Cup competition at Crufts,
and it has been an exciting few months training the dogs up to the
high standard required.”
She added: “The dogs must show skill at ‘heeling’ on command,
retrieving, and obeying commands to ‘stay away’, all under the
scrutiny of the world’s foremost judges on canine behaviour.
“Our team were thrilled to come first, and we all put in a great deal
of work for this achievement. I can’t wait to send Jack and Chloe back
in to the local circuit, where they can continue their success now
they are world champions.”
Paying tribute to Janine, fellow animal lover Kelly Marshall said:
“This is such an amazing achievement. But Janine really deserves it as
over the years she has given 100 per cent to her dogs and she is such
an inspiration.
“Apart from Chloe and Jack, who were with her at Crufts, Tea is her
princess and her two most recent rescue dogs Dot and Bumper are two
great dogs that, if it were not for Janine, would not have such
enjoyable lives.”
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.
Thanks for helping to make a great night March 23, 2010
Posted by Jonny Mitchell in : Events , add a commentDear All,
Just a quick note to thank you all for your support at our Chinese Evening held on the 18th of March. I think all those who attended will agree that the food, entertainment and atmosphere were great and contributed to what was a very successful evening.
The night along with the auction and ballot has to date raised just under £1000.
Once again, thank you very much for your support and we will keep you posted on future events!
Kind Regards,
Janet (Sanctuary Events Organiser)
Mid-Antrim Marathon Runners! March 14, 2010
Posted by Jonny Mitchell in : Events , add a comment
A Welcome Gift February 13, 2010
Posted by Jonny Mitchell in : Good News , 1 comment so far
Bella came to live with us last month and has settled really well into her new environment. She is extremely affectionate. She loves running in the fields, she loves her walks on the lead, she enjoys dozing under the table (and snoring!) but most of all, she loves her cuddles after all her activities!She is now 42 kilos (she was 40 when she left the Sanctuary) and got her 2nd vaccination last week.
Living on a farm really suits Bella. She has loads of space to explore. She was nervous initially (I don’t think she had ever seen anything on four legs bigger than her!), but now she trots along happily after my brother when he feeds them and enjoys all the activity going on around her. She has become friends with our three cats and is respectful of their space.
Bella has brought new life into our family and home, and, whilst we will never forget her predecessor – Tweed – who came to us from the Mid-Antrim Animal Sanctuary in 1999. It is a real privilege to provide a home for Bella. Her love of life, sense of fun, energy, affection and companionship has really helped us to remember Tweed without tears. She found a bone which Tweed had buried shortly before he died. I like to think he had left it as a welcome gift!
Many think for looking after Bella until we found each other! I really hope that many of your dogs and cats will find new homes soon.
Heather, Kenny & Bella
