NEWS
Kookie's Korner
It may not look much – but it makes the world of difference to the canines in our care.
In April 2009, a purpose built enclosure was erected in the paddocks adjacent to the boarding kennels we house our dogs in. The monies were donated by a local benefactor, in memory of a beautiful brown dog Kookie - lost but never forgotten, so that all RSPCA dogs could know freedom for a short time each day.
We were granted permission to build from the Kennel owners for which we are immensely grateful. Without land to build on, our dogs would never know the benefits of the enclosure.
The associated storage box was donated by the Allen family (Daveen, Graeme & Ross) in memory of Zennie, a lovely old lass they took into their home and hearts to give her a warm winter to her otherwise sad life. Zennie was brought to us as a wreck but with much love and attention she became the feisty old lady she had always wanted to be. Unfortunately, she was with the family for too short a time but we remember her every day when we go into her box for toys, poo bags and other doggy necessities just as we remember Kookie when we enter his enclosure.
The enclosure is 30 meters long (approx. 30 yards) x 15 meters so there is plenty of ground area for the dogs to run around – and believe me they drag us to the enclosure for playtime – and 8 feet high, so there's no chance of their escape, not that anyone has tried – YET!
Prior to April we could only walk the dogs around the paddocks on leads, so no training could be done, no recall and certainly no stretching of legs. Now we can still do the valuable heel work, and lead walking but also we can allow the dogs to expend their pent up energy with play, off lead. We even have chairs and umbrellas just in case they want to have a snooze in the sun with one of our dog walkers stroking their tums, it really is a wonderful addition to the dogs' welfare.
What is FIV?
(Feline Immunodeficiency Virus), or FIV, is a much misunderstood virus, which leads to many – otherwise healthy – cats being euthanased – in our view unnecessarily. The FIV virus reduces a cat's immune system, and leaves it more vulnerable to other feline infections. That's it - in itself it is NOT life threatening. FIV CANNOT be transmitted to humans. If you want to find out more, please download our information leaflet.
"Take a break - take a cake: 2009 "
Remember "Take a Break - Take a cake" from last year (see below), well the girls went one better in 2009 and raised a tremendous sum of money which they kindly donated to us over the weekend. Once again Steph and Emma cooked as did their Mums to provide an array of cakes, cup cakes and fancies which were all sold to friends and neighbours over Easter at a special event organized entirely by the girls themselves. They had a bric a brac stall, even a Name the Duck competition and collected £205 in our name. Thankfully the weather was kinder to them this year - it snowed in 2008! But I think everyone had a wonderful time and judging by the cakes on offer I wish I had been there myself.
We said last year that it is amazing when people think of innovative ways of raising funds then dedicate their time to putting the event together, working all day to make sure everyone is part of it and thinking of us along the way - it is especially amazing when you think that Steph and Emma are so young and to be so thoughtful - they are very special young ladies. They came along on Saturday to present their cheque and met Tom - as you can see he relished the attention, I was able to update them on Dodger the dog they had met last year as I had been fortunate to see him the previous week, he has grown into a beautiful young dog and it is thanks to people like Steph and Emma who give their time to raise funds that we can continue turning dogs from lost souls to handsome creatures ready for a loving new home.
Thank you Steph and Emma for all your hard work and kindness we are all very grateful as are all the dogs and cats that cross our path on their way to the rest of their lives.
Vicki's poster campaign raises much needed funds
During the course of the last few months this young lady has drawn posters and put them up in her school to bring the RSPCA local branch to people's attention, she has talked to her family and friends about the work that we do and in doing so has raised much needed funds for our Branch. On the 6th April Vicki came to the boarding kennels to meet some of our dogs - she is photographed with Sally, a lovely little dog seeking a new home - to donate that money - a magnificent £70 was raised and it is very welcome. Vicki wants to be a Vet and I think with her loving and practical attitude towards animals she is on the right course. Good Luck Vicki and thank you for your thoughtful idea, we will put the money to good use and we look forward to meeting you again at the Dog Show in July, where hopefully you will see Sally again with her new owner.
"Take a break - take a cake"
That is the slogan thought up by two young ladies from Ravensmoor, Cheshire, to promote their fund raising idea for the RSPCA Cheshire South West Branch [now the Crewe, Nantwich & Districts Branch].
They designed and produced fliers using information extracted for the branch website, they distributed the leaflets to all their neighbours, who supported them wholeheartedly, and finally they cooked up a storm. On a cold Easter Saturday they set up their stall. They made a magnificent £110 which they donated to the Branch in March when they came along with their families to the Boarding Establishment where our dogs are kept. They met all the creatures in our care like the delightful Dodger in the photograph.
It is always amazing when anyone gives so much to the Branch, but for youngsters to take time out of their busy lives to be so thoughtful, the attention to detail on the fliers was stunning. The dedication it must have taken to stand outside on that cold weekend overwhelming and we cannot thank them enough for considering us for the donation.
Steph and Emma we applaud you and we thank you very much indeed. Hopefully your interest in the local branch of the RSPCA won’t diminish and we look forward to you being Trustees of the future to carry on the work already started.
Royal Garden Party Guests
Ken and Pam Parkes have been actively involved with the Cheshire South West Branch for more years than they care to remember. They are photographed here prior to their visit to the Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in recognition of their many years'
voluntary service for animal welfare. They have now decided to take a less active role, but remain on the branch committee offering encouragement and sharing their knowledge and experience with those trustees continuing the work of the branch. The sun shone and both had a very
enjoyable day.
National news
For national RSPCA news, please visit the RSPCA's main web site.