Dog-loving Lorraine’s plans for new animal rescue centre
PAW PATROL: Wokingham woman wants to support dogs who need a new home
A NEW DOG SANCTUARY has been set up to help furry animals find their forever homes.
Wokingham resident Lorraine McCowatt has been a dog lover since a young age.
With two dogs of her own, Ms McCowatt’s initial idea was to create a doggy day care service in the area.
Now she wants to support rescue canines in gaining new family homes.
“When I put out a Facebook post about my idea for the sanctuary, the support I received from the community group was amazing.
“They all said what great things I’m doing,” she said.
Ms McCowatt has been actively looking for a farmer who might have a field, or two for her to rent.
“Lots of people also offered their help in finding a field for me and giving me equipment such as dog leads, which is a good start.”
While searching for a permanent premises, she will be starting up the centre from her own home.
Having teamed up with dog rescue charity Hungary Hearts in Amesbury, and Bracknell-based Responsible Dog Training Club, Ms McCowatt hopes to partner with more organisations to help with her new venture.
“I want to be able to take in dogs that Hungary Hearts don’t have the capacity for,” she said.
“One of my dogs I adopted was from Hungary Hearts, and I’m so pleased we are able to work together in some way once I’m up and running.”
Norman McKenzie, from Responsible Dog Training Club, will be there to carry out an initial assessment.
“I believe that we need many more of these sanctuaries because unfortunately there are so many dogs being abandoned and treated badly.
“This often happens even in the first few months of their lives, others suffer for a much longer period of time,” Mr McKenzie said.
“It is my wish to help and support Lorraine in any way that I possibly can with her very worthwhile adventure that she is embarking on.”
Details on all the rescue dogs up for adoption will be listed on the website. Fosters and adopters will need to follow the application process by filling out a form and a home visit.
To be considered, applicants must already have some knowledge or past experience with dogs.
“I’ll provide as much information as I can on the website on the dogs that we have so that people know what to expect.”
“It’s so important for people who are interested to have a garden or an easy access to an outdoor space,” she added.
■ For more details, follow Dog Rescue Sanctuary on Facebook or visit: dogrescuesanctuary.co.uk