Animal Rescue with Marion Garnett

Dedicated animal expert Marion Garnett, founder of the Ealing Animal Charities Fair, continues her column

IT would have been JoJo’s idea of a nightmare.

I was on my way back from Dogs Trust after meeting the wonderful French Bulldog, JoJo, when I stopped off at a supermarket.

JoJo doesn’t like the sound of a baby crying. There ahead of me, in the queue, perched high in the shopping trolley were twin babies. JoJo’s hair would have stood on end – two of them.

Mind you, when she had her own babies three years ago, JoJo was a fantastic Mum. She was pregnant when she first came to Dogs Trust in May 2016.

She delivered six puppies who she looked after brilliantly and they were quickly homed.

JoJo herself was homed soon afterwards but, three years later, a new baby arrived and, since last month, JoJo has found herself back at Dogs Trust looking for a new home.

When I met her in Dog Trust’s courtyard, she raced over to meet me – a gorgeous chunky girl who quickly steals your heart. She likes meeting new people and loves cuddles. She can be worried by other dogs.

If you’d like to meet her, she’s waiting at Dogs Trust, Harvil Road, Uxbridge or see dogstrust.org.uk.

Just one of the responsibilities that comes with the many benefits of dog ownership is making sure that when you go away, if you are not taking your dog with you, suitable arrangements are made for your dog.

Readers who normally put their dogs in kennels may like to know the animal rescue charity, National Animal Welfare Trust (NAWT) has started a pet boarding service.

At present, the Hertfordshire centre (address below) accepts dogs and small animals but, in the Autumn, they will also board cats.

Dogs are walked four times a day and given plenty of fuss and attention. Proceeds from the boarding supports the homeless animals who pass through the centre’s hands.

If you want to look round the boarding kennels before leaving your dog there, you can visit between 10am -10.30am. Whilst the animals in the rehoming kennels can be viewed by the public daily, the boarding kennels are closed to the public.

If you’re interested in making a booking, see details at nawt.org.uk or call 020 8950 0177.

The NAWT centre is holding their major open day on Saturday September 7 (11am-4pm).

There will be a Dog Show, lots of stalls and an agility course.

You can also look round the animals. The centre is at Tylers Way, Watford by Pass WD25 8WT.