Animal Rescue with Marion Garnett

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

I knew I was nearly there when I saw a dog walking up the Strand gripping a new toy tightly in his mouth – he wasn’t going to let this new treasure go.

If you haven’t got a lot, a small gift can make the world of difference – to animals, as well as people.

The toy had been given him at the Dogs On The Streets (DOTS) station which takes place on the Strand every Sunday (2pm-4pm).

DOTS was founded by Michelle Clark in 2016 and provides care for the dogs of rough sleepers.

As well as having a station at the Strand on a Sunday, Michelle and her team of volunteers also have regular stations at other places such as Oxford and Chatham. But it’s not only dog toys and provisions that are given out, DOTS is also a registered veterinary practice and provides treatment in a large, wellequipped mobile clinic.

During the afternoon I was there, DOTS saw 22 dogs with 12 needing veterinary care.

Whilst there, owners tucked into hot jacket potatoes and enjoyed warm hand baths.

Although Michelle only founded DOTS in recent years, she has already scooped awards such as the Special Recognition Award at the Animal Hero Awards and has been included in the 2018 Observer/Nesta New Radicals Awards for being an innovator who is making a real difference to people’s and animals’ lives. If you see a rough sleeper with a dog and want to tell them about DOTS, you can see more details at dogsonthestreets.org.

One of the judges for the Animal Hero Awards is another organisation who are experts in the care of animals on the streets - the RSPCA. Currently in their care is Sasha who was found living on the streets in September. She is superfriendly and couldn’t have welcomed me more eagerly into her pen. She also managed, quick as a flash, to expertly locate and lift the whole bag of treats out of my handbag. If you would like to meet this petite, affectionate girl, she’s waiting at the RSPCA

Cat Adoption Centre, Burket Close, Southall.

On Wednesday, October 31, the RSPCA Southall clinic (address above) is holding another of their free cat neutering days for those who are eligible. This is for male and female cats and no appointment is needed. The cat needs to be starved from 8pm the night before and brought into the clinic at 8.45am-9am. If you’re interested, call 0300 123 0746 option 3 for details.

Sasha