Animal Rescue with Marion Garnett

Dedicated animal expert MARION GARNETT, founder of the Ealing Animal Charities Fair continues her column

CAN you remember what were you doing at the beginning of August 2014?

And, in the intervening four years has a whole chapter of your life begun, unfolded and now closed so that, this August, you’re waiting for a new chapter to begin.

That is how it is for Noel, a Patterdale Terrier, who first came into the care of the National Animal Welfare Trust (NAWT) after being rescued from a dog pound in 2013. Regular readers may remember he featured in a column published exactly four years ago (August 8 2014).

The column tells how despite having a well-positioned kennel at the rehoming centre, one which an estate agent would describe as a corner plot with good views, Noel struggled to get noticed.

Visitors didn’t seem to see the small dog, trying to get their attention. He was even on television, while he was there. The BBC were interviewing the Chief Executive of NAWT and, in the corner of the screen, you could just see Noel saying “Here, here, I’m over here” but still no offers of a home.

Then in October 2014, Noel’s new chapter began. Someone came to the centre, fell in love with Noel and took him home for four happy years. But, sadly and very reluctantly, due to a change in circumstances, in June this year, his owner had to bring Noel back and that’s how, this afternoon, I come to be sitting in the Intake section of NAWT’s rehoming centre, with Noel. To be honest, when I knew he was back, I couldn’t wait to see him again – and that didn’t just apply to me. Although it can be sad to see animals at the centre they are loved by so many people staff, volunteers and visitors.

Noel is a lively boy who loves going for walks. He’s been treated for some health issues but, when I met him, he was full of beans and wanted to play. He needs to be the only pet in the home.

If you would like to be written into the next chapter of Noel’s life, he is waiting at the NAWT rehoming centre, Tylers Way, Watford by pass WD25 8WT.

NAWT is holding their fantastic Open Day on Monday August 27 (11am-4pm). There will be stalls, a Dog Show and Dog Agility. You can also look round the animals. One of the best bits (apart from the animals) is their shop – it’s like an Aladdin’s Cave.