Animal Rescue with Marion Garnett
Dedicated animal expert Marion Garnett, founder of the Ealing Animal Welfare Bazaar, continues her column
THERE’S nothing like seeing a London musical to leave you with the words of a song ringing in your ears for days.
At the moment all I can hear is “Because I knew you I have been changed for good”.
These words are sung at the end of the fabulous show Wicked at the Apollo Theatre, Victoria (near the equally fabulous Blue Cross Animal Hospital) by the two stars Elphaba and Glinda after they realise that although they have had problems with each other in the past, they have both benefited from knowing each other.
They phrase it as we are shaped by those we meet and, if we let them, they can change us for the better. Battersea Dogs and Cats Home put it another way.
In their “Who Needs Who?” campaign, they highlight the mutual benefits of adopting a rescue animal and how pets can change owners’ lives for the better by, for example, always being there for them.
Wilson, a young lurcher currently being looked after by Dogs Trust, is hoping for someone to help change him for the better and, in return, who knows what benefits Wilson will bring his new owner.
He’s got a lot to offer – he’s happy, confident, loves to be cuddled and is delighted to meet new people.
He’s very good with other dogs. I don’t know where, if at all, you need help to be changed (there’s plenty of ways I’d like to be different) but where Wilson needs help is with being left.
He likes to be with people and doesn’t like being left alone. Potential new owners can talk to Dogs Trust’s Training and Behaviour Advisor for advice with this.
If you’ve got time to spend with this lovely lurcher so that, in a few years, you can both look back and say “because I knew you I’ve been changed for good”, you can start your journey together by meeting Wilson at Dogs Trust, Harvil Rd, Uxbridge UB9 6JW.
Wilson would also be able to attend the new Dog School which has begun at Dogs Trust. This is open to all dog owners not just those who have homed a Dogs Trust dog.
Dog School teaches dogs life skills and takes place on Tuesdays and Saturdays at Dogs Trust Harefield.
To find out more including prices call 020 7833 5148.
They also do 1-2-1 training sessions.