Animal Rescue with Marion Garnett
Dedicated animal expert Marion Garnett, founder of the Ealing Animal Charities Fair, continues her column
THERE’S always something going on when you go to central London, something you don’t expect - a demonstration, an altercation, an exhibition.
That’s one of the reasons, it’s so exciting. Being in London can lift your spirits. This is especially so, on a Sunday afternoon when you walk down the Strand and there, buzzing with activity, is the Dogs On The Streets (DOTS) mobile veterinary clinic and stall stationed for a couple of hours providing care for the dogs of rough sleepers.
Since Michelle Clark started this award-winning charity in 2016, it has gone from strength to strength.
Besides their regular stalls on the Strand and other locations, DOTS also have a new expanded sanctuary where, in the event of an owner’s illness, they can now take up to 100 dogs. It means the world to many rough sleepers to know that, if they need to go to hospital, DOTS will look after their dog.
Michelle and her team are constantly looking for ways to expand their services. For example, they are increasing their fostering service and are in the process of extending access to their sanctuary to the dogs of owners in need who are not rough sleepers.
Michelle is also writing her second book following the publication of her first one, Poppy, The Street Dog about the dog who inspired the formation of DOTS. If you want to know more or buy DOTS a present from their wishlist, see dogsonthestreets.org.
Meanwhile on the south side of the Thames, another inspirational charity is also hard at work.
As Battersea Dogs and Cats Home predicted, the number of cats being admitted to Battersea is beginning to return to pre-pandemic levels. At the moment, Harry is their longest-stay feline resident. This gorgeous boy arrived at Battersea in February as a stray with an injured back leg.
Unfortunately, Battersea couldn’t save his leg so it was, eventually, amputated. Harry can be shy to begin with but, once he knows you, he loves human company.
If you can offer Harry a loving home and help him adjust to his new three-legged life, see details at battersea.org.uk.
Battersea has continued to take in animals during the pandemic. They emphasise that, if you’re struggling to look after your cat or dog and are considering rehoming them, not to abandon the animal or advertise them online but to make contact with a reputable rescue centre where they can be cared for and carefully matched with a new owner. See battersea.org.uk for more information.