Celebrating couple come to aid of death row dog shelter
SUPPORTER JOHN HELPS TO HEAT BASIC KENNELS WITH INSULATION
A KIND-HEARTED building services engineer has offered a helping hand to a dog shelter which rescues problem pets from death row.
Dun-Roamin’ Rehoming, based in Witherley, in south Leicestershire, has been rescuing “problem” dogs for 10 years.
It was started by former council dog warden Ian Webb, 42, who decided to rescue unwanted dogs, some of which were set to be put down, often due to behavioural issues.
The kennels which Ian rents are basic and not sufficiently insulated, which means it could be very cold for the dogs over the winter, even with a heater.
After hearing about the situation, John Rowlatt and his wife, who recently adopted a dog from the shelter, came to the rescue. And it was a way of celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary.
John said: “My wife, Jo, and I adopted a dog from there about four months or so ago and are hopefully due to adopt another soon.
“While I was at the kennels a couple of weeks ago I realised there was absolutely no insulation in the building, which meant the heating system was not adequate in reality.
“This meant if the temperature outside was freezing, it would only be fractionally warmer inside.”
John offered to do up the kennels for free.
He said: “My wife suggested that since we really did not need or want anything for our 25th wedding anniversary, and since as a kidney transplant patient she cannot go out or go anywhere, it would be a nice thing to make this our present to each other.
“I am going to do all the work for free with one of my sons to help.”
A GoFundMe page has also been set up in order to help cover the costs, and dog-lovers are being asked to donate what they can.
John has also generously agreed to match donations up to £1,000.
Ian, from Tamworth, said: “John came to us looking for a dog, and I knew what he did for a living so I asked him about the situation.
“We have coats and blankets for the dogs, and a heater, but it’s pretty basic and we needed something better.
“I originally put out an appeal for a new heater, but after speaking to John, the next thing I knew, he was putting his hand in his pocket offering to do the whole thing for us.
“Him and his lads have been there all weekend working nine to five to get it sorted for us.”
Insulation has already been installed at the kennels, and the next stage is for covers for the nine kennels to retain the heat, before finally installing more efficient heaters for the building.
Ian added: “It’s going to be massive for us. I am down here every single day, and the temperature can change so quickly. It will stop me from worrying about the dogs when I leave for the day.”
To help out Dun Roamin’, visit the GoFundMe page or visit its Facebook page.