Dundalk Dogs

Worrying news from Dundalk, just north of Dublin... Lovely Ann Moore has helped save so many dogs in danger at Dundalk Dog Pound, including several black retriever xs rehomed through us - Bob, two Daisies, Jenny, Callum, Sadie, Baby and our very own Luka (pictured). But Ann is currently not able to get access to the pound to get dogs out before they are put to sleep.

There are two reasons why. First, Ann has been told that she can no longer come in at 8am on put-to-sleep day (a grim weekly event) but from now on must come in at 9am when the pound opens to the public. But Ann has a job that starts at 9am, making it impossible.

The second reason is... politics. Dundalk Dog Pound has the contract to put down unclaimed dogs from nearby Meath. These dogs arrive at Dundalk on Tuesday eves and are put into a stable at the back, away from view. Ann has managed to forge a good relationship with the Meath wardens who now alert her to specific dogs coming in to Dundalk that she may be able to help. Unfortunately, Dundalk staff have now said they cannot give Ann access to the Meath dogs, saying it isn't their job (which, in truth, it isn't but, hey...)

This is very bad news for all the strays and surrenders that end up at Dundalk as many more will die. I appeal to everyone involved to sort out their differences and resolve the situation. At the end of the day, it's the dogs that matter.

The stray situation in all of Ireland, not just Dundalk, really is totally unacceptable and is in urgent need of governmental reform. Although many UK rescues do what they can to help, over 16,000 perfectly fit, healthy dogs are put to sleep every year in Ireland.

If you can spare a moment, please, please sign the ANVIL (Animals Need a Voice in Legislation) petition. ANVIL is campaigning hard for change in Ireland. Here's the link to both the petition and more info:

www.anvilireland.ie

Hello and welcome!

I have been meaning to start a black retriever x blog for some time - and here it finally is! The idea is to give some insight into what goes on behind the scenes of running a rescue - particularly the trials and tribulations of finding the right homes for our dogs.

This week, we finally found the right home for lovely Dewey (above), who arrived with us from Ireland about a month ago.

We thought we'd found the perfect family for him a couple of weeks ago - an experienced couple with grown-up children who lived just yards from the sea, with someone at home all day and a good-sized garden. But it turned out that, when in the house, Dewey would be restricted to a fairly small kitchen.

I managed to convince myself that this was OK (Dewey lived outside in Ireland) and so I left him there on trial. But I returned home and had a horrible night worrying about him. Dewey is such a cuddly, lovable boy and I just couldn't bear the thought of the family sitting watching telly in the sitting room in the evening while he was shut in the kitchen on his own. So the next day I went and retrieved him. Did I do the right thing...? I think so - but I'd be interested to hear what others think. We've now found Dewey an idyllic home for him in Oxfordshire with Mark and Barbara, a couple whose dogs are very much part of the fabric of their house (even if he doesn't have quite the same sofa privileges as he enjoyed here!). He also has Amber, a gorgeous three-year-old wolfhound x girl for company...

Here they are getting to know each other. When I called on Friday, Dewey sounded like he was having a lovely time and was really settled (or perhaps that was just exhausted from playing with Amber for hours...!).