Saying thank you with tea and tails

CAKES AND CHEERS FOR RESCUE CENTRE VOLUNTEERS

TWO-LEGGED helpers to four-legged friends in Harefield were thanked with a special tea party.

Staff at the Dogs Trust West London, marked National Volunteer Week by thanking the charity’s volunteers by inviting them to a celebration on Friday June 1.

The rehoming centre’s manager Richard Moore give his personal thanks to the volunteers for all that they do for the centre, and the 700 dogs it cares for every year.

Guests were presented with homemade cakes, sandwiches and lots of other treats. Staff had a wonderful time meeting and chatting with the volunteers, and those who came along were also given the chance to meet some of the foster dogs under the charity’s ‘Home from Home’ scheme who came in specially, to pass on their very own ‘waggy-tailed’ thanks.

Allison Bashford has been a foster carer for the rehoming centre for nearly three years and said: “Volunteering is such a positive experience. It’s so lovely getting to know the dogs in my care, getting them to trust you and them seeing them rehomed to loving families – it’s so rewarding. Between gaps in fostering I love to walk the dogs, do admin, help with laundry – anything that the dogs have a nicer experience in kennels whilst they await their forever home.”

Theresa Collins works in the rehoming centre’s tea rooms, she explained; “I started off volunteering as a dog walker and did that for around five years. I joined the staff team in the tea rooms for two years and when I left continued there as a volunteer.

“I volunteer because Dogs Trust does a tremendous job taking in, caring for and rehoming so many dogs from all backgrounds and situations, and I want to do my bit.”

Retired couple Sue and Alan Williams have been volunteer dog walkers at the centre since 2011. They said their reason for volunteering was: “We make a difference!

“We knew when we retired we wanted to do something that we would both enjoy together and certainly enjoy the fact we are helping the dogs at the centre.

“We exercise the dogs even if the weather might not be the nicest – the dogs still want their walkies and we’re here to make sure they get them. All of the dogs have different characters and we love them all. We have made so many new friends, both two-legged and four – nothing is better than seeing the dogs rehomed and setting off towards a new life.”

Richard Moore added: “Our volunteer network is invaluable. Without our amazing volunteers giving up their time and efforts we really couldn’t do what we do, as well as we do it. Our heartfelt thanks to all the volunteers that help to make such a difference to the lives of the dogs in our care.”

If you are interested in volunteering opportunities at the rehoming centre please contact Lucia on Lucia.Ruggiero@dogstrust.org.uk.

Volunteer Allison Bashford enjoys the tea party at the Dogs Trust held during National Volunteers Week