Charity pleads for a little puppy love this Mother’s Day
AN ANIMAL welfare charity is appealing for public support to care for almost 60 puppies born to seven dogs taken in since the start of the year.
Since January, seven dogs taken in by Dogs Trust Ireland have given birth to 58 puppies, a 45% increase on the same period in 2023. The charity is seeking help for the mums and pups in their care this Mother’s Day, which falls on Sunday. The charity regularly takes in pregnant dogs and those who have recently given birth, from pounds and other animal welfare organisations around the country.
Last year, the trust cared for 637 bitches and pups, 139 of whom were born in its centre, while others arrived needing urgent veterinary treatment.
Sadhbh, a three-year-old spaniel crossbreed, was one of three dogs seized by a warden in Dublin due to the abhorrent conditions in which they were kept.
Sadhbh and her two weak and underweight puppies were found to be covered in fleas and, sadly, only one of the pups was strong enough to survive.
Sadhbh also had skin and eye issues but despite all this, the charity describes her as an incredibly sweet and friendly dog.
Ciara Murran of Dogs Trust Ireland said: ‘Such a huge amount of work goes into caring for dogs like this, especially young puppies as they are so fragile and often come from mums who haven’t been vaccinated, leaving them very susceptible to potentially fatal viruses. They require constant monitoring, cleaning and, of course, love, affection and reassurance from our team.
‘We rely solely on the generosity of our supporters and are appealing for people to consider donating to us this Mother’s Day, so we can continue to save pregnant dogs and their puppies.’
With 238 dogs to care for, Dogs Trust is asking the public to support it via www.DogsTrust.ie/SaveTheNextDog online.