Our first rescue dog was adopted by us 20 years ago now and
this led to an involvement with the rescue side and consequently to buying our own kennels. Over the years this has
gone from 20% rescue dog intake to 90%.
We have been involved with several rescue charities over the
years - the Animal Samaritans, Border Collie Rescue, Forest Dog Rescue and occasionally, the R.S.P.C.A. Also for the
last few years, we have been the dog warden and pound for South Shropshire Council. For the first 7 days the stray dogs
would be cared for at our kennels and funded by the Council. After this time, if the owner didn't come forward to reclaim
their dog then it would be put up for adoption. From this moment on we would fund their care from our own pockets with
no public support.
We have always been independent and had our own rescue and
as each organisation only deals with their own area, we cover anywhere. Our finance has come purely through boarding
and Terry, my husband, setting up his own gardening and general maintenance services.
Recently however, as with most people, we are feeling the
effects of the credit crunch. As we are endeavouring to provide accommodation for more and more dogs - most of whom
now need veterinary attention, we are finding it difficult to meet the soaring costs of providing a caring service.
For this reason we have decided to apply to become a registered
charity in our own right which will enable us to be present at many events in order to survive and our work to continue.
However, to register we have to be able to raise some £5,000 in the first instance. This seems a huge task, but one
that is achievable hopefully with your help.
Jutta Patterson
