Animal Rescue with Marion Garnett
Dedicated animal expert Marion Garnett, founder of the Ealing Animal Welfare Bazaar, continues her column
KALEB has just heard there’s going to be a party and he’s bursting to spread the news. He couldn’t wait to volunteer to be in charge of sending out invitations. Coming from a dog pound he hasn’t been to that many parties but, by all accounts, they sound fun.
First to get the call was Leo a friendly Staffie in a nearby kennel block. Although Leo’s waiting for a home, he’s a sociable guy and, if he’s lucky sometimes a member of staff takes him home at night and they go to the pub together in the evening, so a party is right up his street.
The good news is we’re all invited to the party. In order to celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday and her love of dogs, the National Animal Welfare Trust (NAWT) is holding a tea party on Sunday June 12 (11am-3pm). There will be a dog show and a prize for the best dressed guest.
No doubt Kaleb and Leo will have their eye on the cake. Kaleb is a young lurcher with lots of energy. Leo is a staffie who was homed by NAWT in 2009 but due to changing circumstances, came back to the rehoming centre in 2015.
Kaleb likes to keep his mind busy so, after the phone calls, he’s going to make a start on the written invitations. He’s seen what a letter looks like because he’s got one clipped to the outside of his pen.
As part of their literacy lessons, a local primary school asked NAWT if their children could write letters from the perspective of the animals to prospective new owners.
The children aged six and seven wrote letters for 60 animals and these are now on display in the kennels, cattery and rabbit areas.
The letters have developed the children’s handwriting and literacy skills as well as encouraging them to empathise with the animals.
The manager of the centre, Jackie De Friez will also visit the school to talk to the pupils.
The children are hoping that, when the animal is homed, they might receive a response from the new owners.
If you would like to join the party or to meet Kaleb or Leo, NAWT is at Tyler’s Way, Watford-bypass, WD25 8WT.