Animal Rescue with Marion Garnett
Dedicated animal expert Marion Garnett, founder of the Ealing Animal Charities Fair, continues her column
That didn’t take long. Following the closure of the RSPCA Southall clinic and Putney Animal Hospital last month, pet owners are already pleading, on social media, for help with their sick animal.
Pleas such as, my dog went for a walk and has come back limping. I’m on benefits and Putney Animal Hospital is closed, what can I do? Possible avenues of help in such situations were outlined in a recent column (Gazette August 26) but, depending on your postcode, options can be bleak.
As you would expect, social media remedies for limping animals came in thick and fast.
I know this is a time of belt-tightening but it seems worthwhile to point out two things. Firstly, cherish any RSPCA services that are left – you never know when they are going to be whipped away. Secondly, if charities have to make savings, cutting front-line services, should be the last resort.
These RSPCA cuts are already having a direct negative effect on animals. And, the public notice.
And, so it was that on Sunday, I went to an animal charity that knows only too well, it’s the frontline services that matter.
Since Dogs on the Streets (DOTS) was founded in 2016, they have been there, on the streets, in all weathers, for the dogs of rough sleepers. One of the most noticeable aspects of this charity is the lack of red tape.
Very occasionally you come across an organisation where their philosophy is “Don’t say no, if you can possibly say yes”.
This is one. Founded by Michelle Clark and run by volunteers, they look after the dogs of rough sleepers in London and other areas. Although affected by Covid, their work continues unabated. They have a station on The Strand every Sunday afternoon where dogs receive essentials and veterinary care in their mobile clinic.
A recent addition to their services is a 64-kennel sanctuary used to care for the dogs of rough sleepers who are temporarily unable to look after their dog. It’s no wonder this is already an award-winning charity. The story of how Michelle started DOTS is told in a book published on September 17 called Poppy the street dog.
Funding is, of course, an issue. But innovative charities have innovative fundraising.
For example, Ricky Gervais has teamed up with BrewDog to promote a beer, Street Dog, from which DOTS get half the profits.
So you can have a drink and support DOTS at the same time. See more information from dogsonthestreets.org