Animal Rescue with Marion Garnett
Dedicated animal expert Marion Garnett, founder of the Ealing Animal Charities Fair, continues her column
NONE of us know, for certain, what life has in store for us – and that includes Becky.
After living her entire life in one home, Becky’s life has changed. Twelve years old, she came into the care of the National Animal Welfare Trust (NAWT) last March when her owner fell ill and was no longer able to look after her. She was accompanied by her longstanding companion, another Staffie, called Zeus. NAWT know that, however loving and spacious they are, kennels are no place for two elderly dogs but they had nowhere else to go and so they took them in.
A few weeks after their arrival, Becky’s world was turned upside down again. Zeus, sadly, passed away overnight in the kennel they were sharing.
With lockdown fast approaching, NAWT had to act quickly. They feared Becky could be left in kennels for weeks. She spent the next night with a member of staff and then, thankfully, they were able to secure a lovely foster home for her. Becky has been with this wonderful family since then but, unfortunately, circumstances have changed and they can only keep her for a few more weeks.
If NAWT can’t find her a loving forever home, she will have to return to kennels.
Her foster carer says that Becky is the sweetest dog who will bring pleasure to whoever is fortunate enough to home her. In her new home, she would like a comfortable sofa where she can snuggle up close to her people. Becky loves her naps, a run round the garden and snacks. She walks beautifully on a lead. Some mornings, she can be a little slow with her back legs but she is always keen to go for a walk and is happy to meet people. She is not always so thrilled to meet other dogs.
At night, she likes to sleep on the sofa or in her soft basket. She is incontinent overnight but her foster carer says Becky is patient having a night-time dog nappy put on and makes no attempt to pull it off. The nappies go in the washing machine and dry quickly. She is happy to wear the nappy overnight and it means Becky has a comfortable night’s sleep and so does the foster carer. Becky is partially deaf but understands what is asked of her and is always looking to please.
If you can give this gentle soul a settled, loving home for the remainder of her years, see details at nawt.org.uk.