The 30 most deserving dog charities in Britain
Please also read http://coldwetnose.blogspot.com/2009/06/small-is-beautiful.html for guidance before posting a comment!
One of our wonderful readers has just contacted us for some help. She is looking to identify 30 of the most deserving dog-related charities as she has an elderly friend intending to leave approx £25k to each.
Her friend is keen to identify charities that are not going to use the money for PR or admin, she wants the money to make a real difference to dogs.
Quite a challenge!
We can think of quite a few, but 30 is a fabulous number.
Who would you recommend? What a great idea - making such a difference to so many.
I think the quest could make a great article.
Please let us know the charities you are familiar with for whom a £25k legacy could make a huge difference.
There has been a huge response and if we're not careful some of the tiniest charities may get lost as they don't have the numbers of supporters to campaign for them. Can I ask if your charity or point is already covered in comments please don't post again, we're not looking necessarily for the most popular charities - just trying to identify the ones who will make the best use of the dosh to help dogs.
The lady has confirmed that only registered charities would be eligible.
"The only criteria is that the recipients must use the money solely on the dogs,and that they are registered charities. I know that this is going to leave a lot of causes in the cold, but how else can I make sure that the money is used properly?"
One of our wonderful readers has just contacted us for some help. She is looking to identify 30 of the most deserving dog-related charities as she has an elderly friend intending to leave approx £25k to each.
Her friend is keen to identify charities that are not going to use the money for PR or admin, she wants the money to make a real difference to dogs.
Quite a challenge!
We can think of quite a few, but 30 is a fabulous number.
Who would you recommend? What a great idea - making such a difference to so many.
I think the quest could make a great article.
Please let us know the charities you are familiar with for whom a £25k legacy could make a huge difference.
There has been a huge response and if we're not careful some of the tiniest charities may get lost as they don't have the numbers of supporters to campaign for them. Can I ask if your charity or point is already covered in comments please don't post again, we're not looking necessarily for the most popular charities - just trying to identify the ones who will make the best use of the dosh to help dogs.
The lady has confirmed that only registered charities would be eligible.
"The only criteria is that the recipients must use the money solely on the dogs,and that they are registered charities. I know that this is going to leave a lot of causes in the cold, but how else can I make sure that the money is used properly?"
Comments
Claire
Wiccaways is run by a husband and wife with the help of a lot of volunteers, all the money they get goes to help these dogs.
They are also very willing to help owners with any problems they have with their dogs,they don't have to be a dog from them, a dog in need no matter where it came from gets the help needed.
I can't speak highly enough about this rescue.
Louise
They're not breed specific and they don't get any re-homing fees, because they just take them in and provide them with the love that so many of them have never had.
I can't imagine how much good they could do with that amount of money and how much weight it would take off their shoulders.
Many of the dogs have emotional problems, which take a long time to put right, but the time is spent to help the dogs, for as long as it takes.
I have been doing walking for them at a weekend just recently, and they are always ready to welcome you, and talk out any worries that you may have about your own dogs.
Please consider wiccaweys when you are putting together your list.
Sharon
Aimee.
Pat Pickett
http://www.loveyourlabrador.co.uk/
Who rescue, rehabilitate and re-home mainly greyhounds and lurchers (but they have been known to venture into other animals.
They rescue mainly the sight-hounds that end up in pounds, so they are often dogs with no known history, which is why most of their dogs are homed from foster situations, which helps give a reasonable assessment of the dog and its personality.
They also frequently face very large vet bills due to the state that some of these dogs arrive in.
Rehabilitation is also a major part of their philosophy as some of these dogs are so tramuatised that they can spend a long time in kennels before they can even go into a foster home, they have a small band of dedicated people who work very hard helping these dogs.
I would like to nominate Hope Rescue (www.hoperescue.org)based in Wales but also helping dogs wherever they can. I have known Hope for several years now and have great respect for them. They have helped so many dogs in genuinely vulnerable situations. They have helped the staffies and harder to home dogs consistently. They have a cracking team of volunteers, a dedicated founder and super dogs looking for homes. Hope have a comprehensive approach to try and educate people and improve the lives of our canine friends, though they have been known to step in for other animals too. They have very recently achieved charitable status, a testament to the hard work of all the volunteers.
The animals[of all kinds, Small Animals, Cats, Dogs and the farm animals] get the upmost care they can and they are a sanctuary to a number of farm animals including plenty of sheep, ponies, chickens, goats and a donkey.
They have a non-destruct animal and really do pull out all the stops to give the animals in their care the best care, treatment and life they can get whilst with them - and continued support once homed too.
I can't back them up anymore than I already do, they do an absolute wonderful job with every animal they come across.
RSPCA LIVERPOOL BRANCH
MANY TEARS RESCUE
PHOENIX DOG RESCUE WIDNES
These are my reasons why...
RSPCA Liverpool Branch - I think many people beleive all RSPCA Centres receive funding and share it through to each branch HOWEVER this is not the case, each Branch has to fundraise for itself all are deserving however Liverpool is a little unusual as it not only does ordinary RSPCA work it also takes in strays from the Dog Warden. As you can imagine Liverpool is a Large and in some areas deprived area, causing a huge amount of dogs to come into their care daily. I was recently told that they are currently having to euthenise a 3rd of all the dogs that come in (around 30+ a week) due to lack of space and behaviour issues that they just cant afford to spend the time and money to rehabilitate. Maybe this money could help???
Many Tears Rescue - Because they take in MANY poor poor dogs that have come from EVIL Puppy Farmers and Breeders that without Many Tears would be drowned or worse. Many of these dogs have never known Love or Home life and are terrified of all the new experiences but because of Many Tears they have the chance to have a new life. Take a look at their website and it will bring you to tears when you see the effect that being used for breeding over and over again has had physically and emotionally.
Phoenix Dog Rescue Widnes
This is my local small rescue, run by a small number of HARD WORKING experienced volunteers. They usually only have around 3 dogs for rehoming at a time purely due to lack of funds and only a small number of volunteers. The way they see it, if they can help 3 dogs thats better than nothing. I would love for them to receive a large donation so they could help many more dogs. They do their best, with a small van that is rather tempremental, you cant put the heater on or the van shuts down!!
Please please help this little rescue, this money would make a MASSIVE difference to them!
Barbara
Thank you.
PS Not sure if they are a registered charity or not.
Ali
HWAR which is dedicated to re-homing stray, abandoned and un-wanted dogs nationwide.
HWAR was born off the back of a search for a new best friend. Carol lost her old dog Ben and during her search for a rescue dog she witnessed what went on it the pounds up and down Britain and could not walk away without doing everything in her power to help them, so HWAR was set up.
At first Carol spent many long hours with the local dog warden in kennels assessing dogs in the hope of finding them new homes before they were euthanised. Friends became foster homes and local advertising bought forward volunteers, all who lead busy lives yet still give up their time to help the dogs in our care.
Now with the support of Herefordshire Council ALL strays in the immediate area get a second chance, staying in our care until a home can be found. If a dog is too old/ill to be re-homed they are placed in lifetime foster care where they can spend the remainder of their days living in security and comfort. Our rescue is entirely self funded and relies solely on donations and fundraising
Louise - events orgniser
Greyhound Gap sticks out the most for me. 1)Because they are involved with dogs that are in real danger. 2)Because their rehabilitation, fostering and backup process means the dogs involved are more likely to stay in their new home for life.
www.hwanimalrescue.org
HWAR which is dedicated to re-homing stray, abandoned and un-wanted dogs nationwide.
HWAR was born off the back of a search for a new best friend. Carol lost her old dog Ben and during her search for a rescue dog she witnessed what went on it the pounds up and down Britain and could not walk away without doing everything in her power to help them, so HWAR was set up.
At first Carol spent many long hours with the local dog warden in kennels assessing dogs in the hope of finding them new homes before they were euthanised. Friends became foster homes and local advertising bought forward volunteers, all who lead busy lives yet still give up their time to help the dogs in our care.
Now with the support of Herefordshire Council ALL strays in the immediate area get a second chance, staying in our care until a home can be found. If a dog is too old/ill to be re-homed they are placed in lifetime foster care where they can spend the remainder of their days living in security and comfort. Our rescue is entirely self funded and relies solely on donations and fundraising
Louise - Events co ordinator
Nobody within the charity receives a wage and all work hard to raise funding to cover the huge veterinary and kenneling bills they face each month.
Once vaccinated, microchipped and neutered there dogs are placed into foster homes for assessment. They have to work hard each year to bring in enough funds and it can be seen on their accounts that the bulk goes onto veterinary care and and kennel bills when foster homes are full to stop dogs in danger being euthanised.
I volunteer for them driving the rescue van travelling around the country to collect poor hounds who have had the most terrible start in their lives. Gap work really hard to give these hounds a chance of happiness in their forever homes which I must say are vetted to a very high standard. I adopted a lurcher from them and currently have 4 foster dogs too. I believe passionately in what they do and the hard work that goes into fundraising.
I'm sure if it was stipulated in the legacy that the money was to go towards caring for and training the dogs that this would be done.
Please consider them.
They do an amazing job of rescuing little and large dogs. It was set up by a lovely lady called Eileen. She- with the help of a small team of volunteers-co-ordinate and carry out the rescue of many dogs every single day of the year. The dogs are moved into foster homes as soon as they come into the care of Friends Of The Animals.
Friends Of The Animals use a small team of volunteer foster carers throughout the whole of England and Wales, rehabilitating,socialising and nursing abandoned and abused dogs before being re-homed to ensure they are ready for their new start. If it wasn't for them I wouldn't have my beautiful collie. If it wasn't for them he would have been shot on a farm and he wouldn't be here with me now licking my feet and making me laugh.
Every dog that goes into their care is ensured safety,love and protection for the rest of his/her days.
It's because of the dogs and all their little tails that F.O.T.A have helped wag again, that I would like to recommend them.
http://www.friendsoftheanimalsrct.org.uk/
It is run purely by volunteers and costs are at a minumum.
I foster for them and wouldn't want to foster for any other charity. The backup is tremendous and their passion for the dogs is emmense.
http://www.greyhounds4u.co.uk/
One thing I would like to point out is that Gap has a national network of volunteers up and down the country transporting dogs (not just greys and lurchers) saving their lives on a day to day basis.
Greyhound gap do not spend anything on PR and virtually nil on admin with no paid staff and I happily give my own monies knowing that it goes directly to saving dogs lives.
They are also very willing to help owners with any problems they have with their dogs,they don't have to be a dog from them, a dog in need no matter where it came from gets the help needed.
They deal with the "hard end" of rescuing and are the ones who will take on the abused , hard to place dogs that many other rescues would give up on as too expensive to treat or dogs who need intensive rehabilitation to get over their past abuse.
Greyhound gap has a dedicated band of fosterers who teach these dogs who may have spent their entire lives such as my girl, as nothing more than a commodity to become well socialised and most importantly happy loving pets.
hard working charity most definitely deserves a lucky break.
financial help from this generous
grant would enable them to assist far more sick and/or elderly dogs
to receive love, care,security and any treatment necessary for the first time in their lives.
These are the ones i can think of off the top of my head, given enough time i could probably name 30
They take dogs out of put to sleep situations and out of homes where they are at risk to give the the care and love they deserve. All the dogs are assessed fully and brought back to full health in a foser home and the best care is taken to ensure they are placed in forever homes where they will thrive.
Dogs in all conditions are taken in and given the veterinary care they need regardless of cost. A grant like this would be of huge benefit in helping the continuation of life saving work.
Providing foster homes so proper assessments can be made to ensure they are matched to the right forever family.
A non profit rescue, rehoming lurchers across the UK. Such a generous gift would mean so much and help save so many more. Also a great community of volunteers and good friends, a good source for help and advice. A little rescue that does so much.
GREYHOUNDS4U.
They are a NON FUNDED rescue and rehoming organisation run solely by volunteers, who are passionate about rehoming Greyhounds into their forever homes.
Volunteers give their time and frequently their own money to help ex-racing Greyhounds.
They help so many dogs in desperate situations to find safe havens and try especially hard for the much maligned staffies and bull breeds. They have an amazing, dedicated group of volunteers who work tirelessly to help as many dogs as possible.
It is a voluntary run organisation where the work and dedication to helping Greyhounds in need is exceptional. There is a great support network which is growing stonger week by week. They have very little money but are always looking for ways to fundraise and raise awareness of what great pets Greyhounds make. They always make sure the welfare of the dogs comes first and have a great support network where they are always on hand for help and advice. I have now rehomed two greyhounds from G4U and hope to rehome another very soon. They really are a brilliant group of people.
We have now adopted another greyhound from G4U and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them.
Also Greyhound gap do a great job for greyhounds.
Oldies Club is invaluable for all those older dogs.
Furry Friends Animal Rescue is a small rescue but rehomes some very difficult cases: recently several blind dogs from Ireland, deemed unhomeable, one who had been attacked. Love and care is offered, whether a home is found or not, for life.
i would like to nominate Northern Rose Boxer Rescue (NRBR) based in heywood lancashire.
without this self funding rescue and the volunteers who help out on a regular basis i dread to think what would happen to the many dogs that they take into their care.
not only does this rescue help boxers but they do their utmost to help any breed in danger of being pts after it has served its time in the pound.
please visit www.nrboxerrescue.co.uk for more information.
I would also like to thank the benefactor for such a lovley show of compassion and kindness!
I'd like to nominate Greyhound Gap. They work tirelessly to save Greyhounds and Lurchers who would otherwise be euthanased.
These dogs are frequently in very bad physical and mental condition but with the expert loving care and treatment they receive go on to make wonderful pets and bring such happiness to the people lucky enough to adopt one.
They also coordinate transport runs to get dogs to safety and find rescue places when they are full and help other rescues in this way too and give advice to owners who have difficulties with their dogs often preventing then having to be rehomed.
It is all run by volunteers and as with all such organisations fund raising is a massive job and a donation of this sort would make a massive difference and allow more dogs to be helped.
I'd also like to nominate Rotherham dog Rescue who are a mixed breed rescue who often take dogs from the local pound who would otherwise be PTS as well as pets whose owners are unable to keep them any longer. They aim to find every dog a forever home, sometimes a foster home when the kennels they rent are full or the dogs aren't coping with kennel life.
They have also launched an appeal to build their own kennels where these unfortunate dogs can be housed in good quality kennels and be fully assessed and rehabilitated before adoption. A donation of this size would make a massive difference to a lot more dogs.
Friends of the Animals
Help as many dogs as possible and they ensure all dogs are neutered, vaccinated wormed and flea treated prior to finding a suitable, vetted home.
All dogs receive any veterinary attention they need as advised by a veterinary surgeon.
No ex breeding dog is ever turned away regardless of breed or issues.
No dog is turned away due to age or health issues.
Elderly dogs and those with life time health issues are placed in long term foster homes where the rescue meets their veterinary costs for the life of the dog.
http://www.friendsoftheanimalsrct.org.uk/
I adopted my first retired Greyhound from them nearly 3 years ago, and the support network is tremendous. The knowledge and experience amongst the team is not to be found elsewhere. I have since adopted another greyhound. And along the way have become a member of the hardworking team that makes G4U the fantastic organisation that it is.
Many greyhounds have found their forever homes because of G4U. And the way the whole of G4U (team members and those that have adopted) pull together to get hounds out of a serious situation is amazing.
All this with no funding.
Just think what could be done with a little extra cash.
This is a not for profit rescue, run by volunteers, who rescue, rehabilitate and rehome retrievers and their crossbreeds in the UK and also in Ireland.
The dogs are cared for in foster homes before being rehomed, and given all the medical treatment needed, regardless of the cost.Some of these dogs are from puppy farms and have had a terrible life before coming into rescue.
Care is taken to find the most suitable home for all the dogs and lifelong support and help is given.
This organisation works hard to protect, promote and rehome greyhounds. Using good knowledge of the dogs, they are able to match the needs of potential owners with the needs of their dogs.
G4U are staffed entirely by volunteers and undertake many types of fundraising opportunities to raise money needed. The knowledge and passion they have for greyhounds has allowed them to gain the trust of a growing number of racing kennels for whom G4U are their first port of call when looking to retire dogs. They recognise it is important to work in partnership with the racing world in order to ensure the longterm best interests of the dogs.
They have also taken care of many injured dogs, utilising the organisation's supporters and growing foster network.
Once rehomed, G4U offer a superb support network, offering advice and support when required.
We have rehomed 2 retired greyhounds through this organisation and have found their support invaluable.
We would like to nominate G4U to be considered for this wonderful opportunity.
Greyhounds Galore spends no money on admin or PR it is all done through people like myself giving up their free time.
Greyhounds Galore mainly take in the stray ex racing greyhounds, working and coursing lurchers that would be PTS. They ask a small donation and offer ongoing support to the families who adopt their dogs. This money would really help with all the ongoing costs of rescuing dogs such as neutering, vets bills etc that small groups like this face. Please visit their site and watch the videos of the dogs needing homes to see the valuable work they do. www.greyhoundsgalore.org.uk
They are so deserving - just like every other rescue mentioned here - caring for those dogs that would otherise be put to sleep just because someone no longer cares for them.
Rescue Remedies changed my life. Yes that sounds dramatic, but its true. I have never owned a dog but now I own two jack russell terriers - they came very much as a pair - and we are now very much our own pack ; -)
Every step of the way there has always been someone there to help and guide me - be it at the end of the phone or via email - but this merry band of volunteers made sure that I never alone.
How great to have a rescue centre that genuinely pulls out all the stops to make the right match; that gives every dog a chance to find their forever home.
And how lucky am I that they decided that my two girls were right for me...
They do a great job of taking dogs from pounds and finding them places with reputable kennels where they will stay 'til finding their forever homes. They have a great dedicated band of volunteer transporters, fosterers and homecheckers and save many many dogs per year. Their hard work recently gained them charitble status.
This is a small dedicated team who rescue dogs from the pound, foster them and give them a second chance of happiness. They has a lively forum where alsorts are discussed and lots of ideas exchanged. I can't thank them enough for our Peppa and am proud to nominate them.
http://www.nowzaddogs.co.uk/index.htm
Wonderful Charity.
xxx
This is a small dedicated team who rescue dogs from the pound, foster them and give them a second chance of happiness. They have a lively forum where allsorts are discussed and lots of ideas exchanged. I can't thank them enough for our Peppa and am proud to nominate them.
'Four Paws' is a small independent charity who try to help any animal in need - those that are unwanted or in danger. Primarily, however, they tend to take in and rehome dogs, which is where their expertise is.
They do a tremendous amount of work looking after the dogs and striving to find the best home possible for each and every one of them. Some are in a dreadful state and need months of medical treatment and TLC before they can be placed. But nearly all find their new 'forever' home, and there are many success stories.
We adopted a jack russell cross from 'Four Paws' last year; not only has he become a well-loved member of the family but he has enriched our family life.
The charity receives no funding other than that which is raised by volunteers. Gap helps dogs in need and provide a transport relay service using its volunteers and forum members to save those at danger from PTS.
Gap initially assesses the dogs in kennels and a more comprehensive assessment is carried out by fosterers. Where there are health issues for a hound, they are addressed, including a recent example where Gap funded £3000 of eye surgery for one dog... Bod now runs and plays with his friends.
There are countless similar examples where dogs are given a chance to actually live, not in abuse and neglect, but learn about life and happiness, as a pet.
My ex-breeder girl Treacle came from Gap, she was chosen for me by the founder, and I'll never be able to do enough for Gap to thank tham. I help with transport, donate extra where I can and am a foster mum.
I've put my own time and money where I believe it will be best used.
I would also love to nominate Lurcherlink run by Kaye who works tirelessley to help lurchers who have often found themselves on death row - simply for being a lurcher. Their website is www.lurcherlink.org
I own a lurcher myself, a rescue and it makes me proud that both charities work so hard to make life better for these beautiful dogs. I am proud to both support and be able to put forward as a nomination both charities, whom I can only have positive praise for them.
Northern rose boxer rescue is run by a fantastic couple from Heywood, Rochdale. The rescue has saved thousands of unwanted Boxers across the UK, its dedicated members contribute in any way they can from doing transport runs, homechecks and fostering to fundraising, the rescues only source of income. All this is for the Dogs, theyre whats inportant to everyone at NRBR, every rescue case is given the best chance it could possibly get.......with the end goal being a 'Forever home' and a clean bill of health for Every NRBR rescue case.
A donation of this kind would be immense to everyone involved with NRBR, it would give more Boxers the chance of a happy life, a life worth living.
NRBR is a credit to all who are involved with it, we all do it for the dogs.
Oldies Club.
Greyhound Gap.
Lizzies Barn. (wales)
Foal Farm. Kent
All of which deserve some finacial help.
These dogs often have a dreadful time, being used, abused and thrown away; SLR takes them in, treats them, rehabilitates them, and finds them new loving homes.
They do not have kennel premises, believing that the dogs do much better as part of the family and can be more accurately assessed and so better matched to prospective adopters.
Each dog that comes in is neutered, vaccinated and microchipped (remaining in the ownership of SLR throughout) and receives any further medical treatment necessary before being rehomed.
All this is an expensive process. They have an excellent team of dedicated volunteers raising funds but it is always a struggle.
SLR have a good relationship with their local veterinary surgeon but with treatment prices today it is frightening to think that a single accident, injury or illness to an incoming hound could wipe out months of fundraising and leave hounds vulnerable in the future.
If a dog is settled in a foster home SLR will often have veterinary treatment carried out at the fosterer's veterinary surgery rather than returning to base. Being in the south where veterinary fees are the highest in the country can result in a huge drain on resources.
Southern Lurcher Rescue offer ongoing support to adopters of their hounds, including regular walks where dogs and owners can meet up and socialise, and one of the friendliest forums on the web for the sharing of advice, support, gossip and photographs.
Please visit SLR's website and consider them for a part of this brilliant grant.
www.southernlurcherrescue.org.uk
I would like to nominate Hearing dogs for deaf people, as these dogs are chosen from rescue centres, and then go on to save deaf people from living a life of isolation, so two people are being saved at the same time, the bond between the deaf person and dog is also very strong, these dogs really change lives, and they have been given a second chance.
http://www.friendsoftheanimalsrct.org.uk/
GRWE does fantastic work across the UK for greyhounds and lurchers in need. Entirely run by volunteers and they do not own any buildings or kennels so all the money really does go straight on the dogs and no expense is spared.
www.grwe.com
this is a wonderful local charity that saves dogs from being destroyed from the local pound.
it is run by a small team of volunteers who take these dogs into foster carehomes until a forever home can be found.
not only do the foster carers give these dogs a chance of a happy life but they work tirelessly to fund raise to help this cause.
they encourage new owners to stay in touch which we have done so, and we enjoy helping whenever possible
we can't sing their praises enough and would like them to be seriously considered.
Oldies Club and Many Tears as well, as they offer a second chance to older/ex-breeding dogs for who it would otherwise likely be the end of the road. I actually can't bring myself to look at the Many Tears website very often as there are sooooo many poor dogs on there that have obviously had a very rough time, its heartbreaking.
I would like to nominate Labrador Retriever Rescue Southern England
http://www.labrador-rescue.org.uk
a charity very close to my heart.
They help labradors and labrador crosses, wherever they are located, find new and loving homes within the south of england.
Some of the dogs they find homes for come over from Ireland. Did you know that Ireland has the highest level of animal euthanasia in Europe? Every week, countless numbers of healthy dogs, including Labradors and Labrador Crosses, are put to sleep in pounds when new homes in Ireland cannot be found. LRRSE is working closely with Irish animal charities to help rehome some of these Labs with loving new homes in the UK.
Transportation costs, veterinary expenses and kenneling are the biggest expense, all of which has to be covered by adoption donations, general donations and fundraising. A very big task!!
To the powers that be....Please consider LRRSE for a share of this extremely generous legacy.
the rescue finds it very hard to gain support from the public in the way of donations purely because of the breed.
The volunteers work 24/7 making sure a safe place is found for all who come to their door.
Vets bills are the main outlay due to the appaling state some of the dogs are found in.
This generous grant could do so much good for Gap, again please consider them.
Just a question but if the bequest is for charities only, won't that rule Many Tears out? I don't think this rescue is actually a registered charity.
I would like to nominate Four Paws Animal Rescue (South Wales) www.fourpawsanimalrescue.org.uk
Four Paws is run entirely by volunteers. No one receives a salary. Fund raising is a large part of their work as the donations received for the dogs that are rehomed nowhere near cover all the costs.
Many of the dogs are taken in from death row at the local pound, ie they would otherwise be put to sleep after the statutory 7 days were up. These dogs are taken in regardless of their breed, age, physical or mental well-being. All dogs are neutered, vaccinated and treated for fleas and worms before being rehomed. All required veterinary treatment is given. Most dogs are then placed in a foster home where they can be assessed, trained and rehabilitated as necessary, before moving on to their forever home.
Some of the dogs are too old or ill to go to a forever home, so they are placed in a permanent foster home until it is time to say goodbye. One such dog is Old Ben, who found himself in the pound at around 12 years old, with a deformed face. He is spending his last years with Don, a lovely man who is now aged 90 and had lost his constant companion a couple of years before. Two gentlemen finding companionship in their twilight years....
GRWE home nationally and is run entirely by a wonderful band of volunteers who spend literally endless hours of their free time and lots of their own money to help in anyway that they can to raise funds for the dogs in their care. Every single penny raised goes directly to the dogs as no-one from Chairperson down takes any form of wage, it is done purely for the love of these beautiful hounds many of whom sadly end up on death row in the pound or have been brutally mentally and physically abused.
An amazing rescue who really do work tirelessly and unselfishly for the dogs - just the best!
I'd like to add to the nominations for Many Tears, Tailends and the Oldies Club, all of whom deal with dogs who aren't the easiest to find homes for (ex puppy farmed, and in their twilight years).
I'd also suggest that if the lady lives in England or Wales she consider her local RSPCA branch - Branches are seperately registered charities, and have to raise their own funds .Some are at risk of closure due to inadequate funding / lack of volunteers. If the lady lives in Scotland she may want to consider the SSPCA instead.
Once again what a wonderful legacy to leave.
Please consider them for inclusion in this fabulous offer of support.
Thank you so much for making this offer
ANIMAL HELPLINE PETERBOROUGH www.homes4dogs.co.uk
This rescue is run by Roz and a small dedicated band of volunteers, they help many pound dogs who without Animal Helpline would be PTS, they take alot of poorly dogs who run up huge vet bills and also have dogs who are not able to be rehomed and live out there lives at the rescue.
Also DORIS BANHAM RESCUE www.dogsos.co.uk who deal with pound dogs and help alot of Staffies which no one else will help, they are always full to bursting. They find spaces for pound dogs and transport these dogs to other rescues and thier costs are huge.
Also THE ARK www.arkanimalrescue.co.uk who are also a retirement home for dogs not able to find homes for various reasons, the Ark help alot of oldies and do a great job locally in North Lincs.
I sincerely hope you consider donating to them as they do not have any funding help at all, only that of donations locally.
A much deserved charity, please please find it in your hearts to donate.
Thank you
This rescue helps all breeds of dogs, they help alot of oldies, staffies and take alot of dogs from pounds. We got our oldie from there and Roz and her dedicated team of volunteers do a wonderful job with limited resources.
They also have dogs who are unable to be rehomed and so are cared for by Roz at the centre, Roz takes alot of poorly dogs and never seems to say no to any dog who needs her help no matter what the story.
I think this is a wonderful rescue who would greatly benifit from such a generous grant.
One of the most under rated dogs.
my choices are :
BARK animal rescue at Retford, where they take animals into their care just before the animals are put to sleep, I got my gorgeous collie/JRT dog from them.
Thornberry animal sanctuary at dinnington, Fantastic rescue centre where I got my Sally who was rescued by them when she was close to starvation.
RSPCA at spital in chesterfield.
If this wonderful benefactor is looking for a charity that really makes a difference, then I believe this is it…… not only to dogs but entire communities. Dogstar offers free veterinary care for pet dogs and street dogs alike in Sri Lanka and runs regular free neutering clinics to help tackle the problem of unwanted pregnancies. Their free ARV (Anti Rabies Vaccine) program is saving not only the lives of dogs but also humans, you can’t make much more of a difference than that.
Friends of the animals RCT. http://www.friendsoftheanimalsrct.org.uk/
Tailend http://www.tailends.co.uk/
& the PDSA http://www.pdsa.org.uk/
I have volenteered for Greyhound Gap for four years, transporting, fund raisng and fostering. Gap for so many dogs is the last chance saloon, no matter what the fincail cost they get that chance and go on to loved family members in there adoptive homes. Once a dog comes through Gap's doors it is a Gap dog for life no matter what happens Gap is there for them.Time and time again I have seen Gap work there magic on the most broken animals mentally and phisically and it never ceases to amaze me. Up and down the country there is a fantsic community of volenteers that drop everyhting to help when they recive a call from Gap to help a dog in need.
My other four nominations are Lurcher Link ,HAWR ,Hope and Oldies club these are charites are again self funding and work tirelessly to help as many dogs in need as possible.
I've not re-homed any dog from the rescues mentioned but I do have a soft spot for and would like to nominate the Oldies Club who do a fantastic job in taking in elderly dogs and re-homing them.
I've not re-homed any dog from the rescues mentioned but I do have a soft spot for and would like to nominate the Oldies Club who do a fantastic job in taking in elderly dogs and re-homing them.
Nobody is paid for the work they do as, even the founder who is a most wonderful lady take no salary. Nothing is spent on PR and an absolutely minimal amount is spent on necessary admin.
The whole recue is staffed by volunteers who give of their time and help selflessly to help dogs in distress.
I have two dogs that I have rehomed from Greyhound Gap and currently have a foster dog .
Well done to the lovely donors for this wonderful idea. The world needs more people like you!
Thank you...
Could I please add a nomination for Greyhound Gap (www.greyhoundgap.com).
Greyhound Gap is a small charity run entirely by volunteers, who work tirelessly to rescue and rehome greyhounds and lurchers - in particular those in 'death row' situations.
Gap's volunteers work extremely hard to raise funding to cover the huge veterinary and kenneling bills faced each month. Following initial assessement all of the dogs are placed into suitable foster homes. Each dog is vaccinated, microchipped, neutered and receives any other necessary veterinary treatment and care.
All homes are homechecked and adopters receive full back up and support from Gap throughout the hounds lifetime, and beyond.
You'd be hard pressed to find anyone more deserving.
They also take some dogs in for rehoming theirselves if they are unable to secure rescue spaces. These may be dogs with medical problems, the Oldies or some of the larger breeds such as bull breeds. Dogs are occasionally take in dogs from owners who find themselves in emergency situations and can no longer keep their dog. These are fostered via a network of fantastic and dedicated foster homes.
Hope is entirely self-funded and relies on the fantastic support of volunteers. Most of their expenses are for boarding, medical and transport costs that cannot be reclaimed through rehoming fees as the dogs are rehomed by other rescues.
"Greyhounds For You"
http://www.greyhounds4u.co.uk
I have had the pleasure of fostering for G4U and have received all the support necessary even on a 24hrs/24hrs basis.
Only this week there was a need to save 3 Greyhounds who were due to be pts and the whole small group pulled together, and now the greyhounds will have a chance of a good new life; first in a foster home and then in a permanent home.
I cannot but recommend G4U enough.
The only financial support received is through small fundraising events and any financial help received, goes directly for the dogs as all other aspects of the organisation are done on a volontary basis.
Thank you
Anne Peter
If Friends of the Animals RCT were fortunate enough to receive such a generous amount of money, they could continue to help the increasing number of animals that they are being asked to help.
http://www.greyhoundrescueuk.co.uk/
A family run greyhound rescue who are the most wonderful guys.
They go that extra mile to catch abandoned hounds and find a loving home or kennel for them.
thank you
kris
First one is Neapolitan Masstiff Welfare, as they do a fantastic job for this giant breed, where a vetvisit runs into the 100'ss as this is a giant breed and consequently vets are very expensive! http://neapolitanmastiffwelfare.webs.com/
Secondly the Phoenix Dog rescue, small rescue, run by some very hard working people who put their own life on hold regularly to save the dogs we all care for so much
Thirdly HWAR who, as well as responds to emergency situations, takes in dogs that nobody would, offerss rescue backup to dogs, also take in poundies who otherwise would be killed.
They would all greatly benefit from such a legacy, the main benefit would be more dogs saved, more dogs able to have lifesaving operations etc
What an incredible generous thing to do!
I would like to nominate Rochdale Dog Rescue to be considered for part of the wonderful donation.
They do an amazing job of making sure that dogs who end up in the pound in a put to sleep situationfor whatever reason get another chance at having a real forever home, tirelessly working to find reputable rescue spaces for them all.
The type of rescue work they do is really high pressure and full on, they make all the calls etc, do the transport all over the UK.
It sickens me that people actually sign their dogs over to the pound, they can't be in any doubt of what will happen to them. I know the money would be put to great use here.
Rochdale Dog Rescue
Rescuing Dogs From Death Row
...To Find Loving Homes
Rochdale Dog Rescue works every week to find responsible rescue places for dogs in a Northern Pound in the UK that are due to be put to sleep if not claimed after 7days.
The pound that we work with are one of the few pounds that are willing to work closely with us as a rescue. They too work hard to save these dogs being put to sleep by providing Rochdale Dog Rescue with photographs, information about the dogs and constant updates.
Sometimes, especially during peak holiday times, it is extremely difficult to find a rescue space for a dog before its 7 days are up. Or we may have a rescue space promised, but are unable to organise the transport. In these situations we have to use emergency boarding kennels, while work continues to get the dog to safety.
Emergency kenneling is a true lifesaver for these dogs but the kennels cost £4 per day per dog, and we often have to appeal for help with donations when our funds are running low."
Please consider them as part of your generous donation.
Tracy
work long hours to ensure all the dogs are happy and healthy.
I would like to suggest a small charity run solely by volunteers covering a large area Southern Lurcher Rescue. We adopted our four year old Lurcher from them, he was in a 'put to sleep' situation, like so many other abandoned Lurchers in this country. We now rely on their online Forum for support and advice. They have been brilliant and are by far the most professional and supportive little rescue that we have ever dealt with. The money could make a huge difference to raising the profile of this growing charity across the South East, attracting new volunteers and adopters, so more beautiful healthy Lurchers can have a better life.
Shelters in Greece are overwhelmingly run by organisations like Greek Animal Rescue and I myself spent 6 months at one of them as a volunteer. The illnesses and injuries, mostly from traffic accidents, that dogs and cats arrive with are too horrendous to think about, but in collaboration with a few sympathetic vets they are lovingly nursed back to health and given a home in a shelter, where they know nothing but love and kindness and are ensured of fresh food and water every day – something that most of these animals have never experienced before. The vast majority of the animals is rehomed to loving homes in other European countries, simply because there is no interest in them within Greece.
It was because of Greek Animal Rescue that my Malcolm came into my life, first at the shelter where I volunteered, and then when I was finally able to bring him over to the UK. For 7 ½ years Malcolm was my bestest buddy. Sadly nearly two years ago Malcolm was diagnosed with lymphoma. With treatment and a carefully prepared diet, we managed to beat it into remission and Malcolm continued to have a great quality of life, as if nothing was the matter, until a few weeks ago, when it once again reared its ugly head. Two days ago I had to make the hardest decision in my life and let Malcolm go.
I would love for Greek Animal Rescue to receive a grant for all the Malcolms who are being saved from a life of fear and pain by the tireless work of volunteers, and who are given a chance of a loving home elsewhere, a chance that they would just not get if it wasn’t for this organisation. Thank you for reading this.
They have an excellent reputation and quietly rehome the less glamorous of our canine friends to homes all over the country.
The staff work tirelessly to care for all the animals and each time I visit I am astounded at how happy the dogs seem in their kennels. They are truly loved and cared for as individuals and this sort of money would be a dream come true for those that work there. They have the space to help more dogs, "just" not the money.
Please add this very worthwhile charity to your list for consideration. Thank you.
I would like to nominate LurcherLink (www.lurcherlink.org) as an organisation worthy of consideration.
LurcherLink is a small operation coordinated by one woman with support from her family and a network of volunteers who between them foster the numerous dogs, do transport runs to get them out of put-to-sleep situations or unsuitable conditions, carry out homechecks, provide advice to struggling owners and offer a warm welcome to anyone on the online forum. Everyone gives their time willingly and free of charge and there are no admin or promotional overheads as a result.
Some of the dogs are from pounds, found as strays or are ex-workers who really need special care and attention. For many, LurcherLink is their last hope. LurcherLink works hard to find exactly the right forever home for each unique dog and this can mean providing ongoing support financially for medical expenses or behavioural advice if necessary, so any contribution, no matter how small, is always very much appreciated and put to good use.
Many Tears who do a fantastic job, their kennels are excellent and they work tirelessly to help any dog in need.
Greyhound Gap, again for their wondereful work saving and rehoming greyhounds.
The Greyhound Sanctuary in Devon which is very small but members do such a wonderful job fundraising to provide a sanctuary for greyhounds and rehome them.
and Burton RSPCA branch - http://www.rspca-burtonbranch.org.uk/index.asp
and Radcliffe RSCPA branch - http://www.rspca-radcliffe.org.uk/
SLR is a registered charity in the south of England and they go out of their way to ensure that abandoned, mistreated hounds find their happy forever home. Not only do they get neutred, de-fleed, de-wormed and spayed and micro-chipped, they also receive veterinary treatment if they arrive at SLR with wounds.
In addition, the angels at SLR make sure the hound finds his perfect forever home by finding the perfect match between the rescue hound and its adopters - only the VERY BEST HOME FOR EVERY SINGLE HOUND - even if it sometimes takes a little bit longer.
Because of their dedicated work, SLR in Harlow is a rescue I believe is second to none.
http://www.mayhewanimalhome.org/home.html
SLR is a registered charity in the south of England and they go out of their way to ensure that abandoned, mistreated hounds find their happy forever home. Not only do they get neutred, de-fleed, de-wormed and spayed and micro-chipped, they also receive veterinary treatment if they arrive at SLR with wounds.
In addition, the angels at SLR make sure the hound finds his perfect forever home by finding the perfect match between the rescue hound and its adopters - only the VERY BEST HOME FOR EVERY SINGLE HOUND - even if it sometimes takes a little bit longer.
Because of their dedicated work, SLR in Harlow is a rescue I believe is second to none.
SLR is a registered charity in the south of England and they go out of their way to ensure that abandoned, mistreated hounds find their happy forever home. Not only do they get neutred, de-fleed, de-wormed and spayed and micro-chipped, they also receive veterinary treatment if they arrive at SLR with wounds.
In addition, the angels at SLR make sure the hound finds his perfect forever home by finding the perfect match between the rescue hound and its adopters - only the VERY BEST HOME FOR EVERY SINGLE HOUND - even if it sometimes takes a little bit longer.
Because of their dedicated work, SLR in Harlow is a rescue I believe is second to none.
This is a real shame as there are a lot of not for profit organisations who will lose out. Registered charities by definition have admin costs. There are many not for profit organisations doing fantastic work helping dogs and getting no financial support as most support is given to registered charities. I do alot of admin work at my own expense for a non profit making organisation and so do the rest of the team of volunteers.
We got our boy from there 2 years ago, and they were so helpful. They are loving to the dogs, ensure they are all in forever homes, and do wonderful work with any 'abused' or 'difficult' dogs that come in - often tranforming previously unhomeable dogs into someone's much loved pet. They often rescue dogs from pounds, where they are less than a day away from death. They will take on a dog in need even if they are stuggling for room or money, and they all work tirelessly.
This is an amazing dog charity that will hugely benefit from the money. Hopefully, this will help save more dogs from death, and give the chance of a forever home.
I would like to say GRWE - we adopted our SalukixGreyhound girl from them and the bond between her and our Son who has Aspergers Syndrome has been a pleasure to watch grow from strenth to strength, there is nothing else quite like it in this world. GRWE consists of Volunteers who work tirelessly morning, noon, night - whatever time of the day - to help, rehabilitate and see greyhounds and lurchers into secure and loving homes. It doesn't just stop there though there is fundraising to be done, auctions to raise money, events the list is endless. I had never before had the pleasure of knowing and seeing such dedicated people. Alot of the volunteers has full time jobs of their own in the day and their own families to look after too, yet GRWE Rescue is another job in it's entirety and one they all embrace with a passion, just wanting to see these often neglected and mistreated hounds into loving and secure homes. So many greyhounds and lurchers come into their care broken - you can see it in their eyes, broken souls and often untreated broken bones from racing just left untreated. Yet every dog I see leave GRWE's care leaves with a smile in their eyes for they have found out whilst in their care what love and being cared for means.
I would also like to nominate Erin Hounds. They are a small voluntary group who also work tirelessly to help abandoned, mistreated and broken greyhounds and lurchers from Ireland and the UK. The lady who runs Erin Hounds is really a Hound Angel, she does it all for them, I hope she won't mind me saying often working in daily job to enable her to pay from her own pocket medical expenses and kennel fees to help the hounds. Working 24 hours around the clock, often bringing them over to the UK herself on the ferry at all hours of the morning and day to help them secure a resuce place or home. This is one lady and team who positively live their lives to see the greyhounds and lurchers receive the love, food and comfort they so rightly deserve in a good home.
It is very true to say both these rescues put every penny into helping the dogs in their care.
I would like to nominate Just For Dogs in Brailsford. They have so many long termers and never give up on them
I have been fostering and transporting for Hope for the last couple of years and have seen at first hand the incredible work they do. They take the dogs that can be literally on death row and place with with safe, reputable rehoming centres across the country via their network of transporters who travel up and down the country and probably know every service station on every motorway intimately! They also have a dedicated group of fosterers who can take those dogs that may be too ill, too old, at the end of their 7 days in the pount or difficult to place (such as the bull breeds) into their homes and get them ready for their forever homes.
Hope have also helped other animals to safety, such as cats and rats.
Hope have recently gained charitable status and a bequest such as this would mean the world to Hope and their invaluable work. Please consider them as a worthy recipient of a portion of this fantastic grant.