Animal Clinic

Hey All,

Been away for a while but here is a quick update to keep you interested, more exciting news to come soon and something a little bit different also.

The DSPCA Animal Clinic series is back on RTE1 Thursdays at 7pm, very intriguing and heartwarming stuff be sure to watch the show.

http://www.rte.ie/tv/programmes/animal_clinic_.html

Ive been very busy since i last wrote between work, personal business and fostering. I have my 4th foster 'linney aka lilly' who is due back tomorrow ;( , i wont lie to you its heart breaking stuff giving them back. Ive grown really attached to her she is a wonderful kitten, playful and lovable. There's no easy way to do it but you have to fix the time in your head when their due to go back and stick to it. Think of the reasons why you cant keep them, and that they 'GROW' they wont always be kittens. This is the benefit of fostering kittens and puppy's as they will always be small as long as you foster but once you keep them they grow up and they are a full time responsibility. Between my lack of space and my monster cat Oscar unfortunately its not feasible for me to keep my fosters. Ill enjoy my last night with her.

Thank you again to everyone who sponsored me in this years mini marathon i raised over €1,000 and thankfully the DSPCA can also claim tax relief from the revenue on donations over a certain amount which is great. The DSPCA are facing some tough times at the moment, every little bit counts so please think of the animals this Christmas when making donations.

Halloween is upon us and nothing is more frightening to animals than fireworks, read here how you can keep yours safe during the holidays.
http://www.dspca.ie/Halloween

Happy and safe Halloween all,

Marlene

New volunteering orientation Sept10 2011

JOIN THE DUBLIN SPCA
VOLUNTEERING TEAM
September 10th 2011

The Dublin SPCA is looking for Weekend and Weekday Volunteers.
Register to attend the Dublin SPCA Volunteer Orientation on Saturday September 10th  at EITHER 1:00pm-2:30pm OR 3:00pm-4:30pm here at our shelter on Mount Venus Road, Rathfarnham, Dub 16.
If you are interested in learning more about volunteering with the Dublin SPCA, the Dublin SPCA invite you to attend their upcoming Volunteer Orientation session.  Please complete this application form if you are interested in attending our volunteer orientation and learn about becoming a Dublin SPCA volunteer. Once you complete the form, click the submit button at the bottom.
There are qualifications that you must meet in order to volunteer:
· You must be at least 16 years old.
· You must be willing to commit at least 8 hours per month.
· Can you commit to the shift hours listed below?
· We recommend all new volunteers to be up to date with their Tetanus requirements, please ask your doctor for a certificate.  You do not need to get a tetanus for the orientation.
· You must have transportation directly to the shelter. All bus routes only come within 1/2 to 2 miles from the shelter and there are no footpaths or lights on Mount Venus Road so for the safety of our volunteers we ask that volunteers either drive themselves or get a lift directly to the centre.

Volunteer shift hours are:  Monday - Sunday: 9am-5pm, 9am-1pm or 12:30-5pm 
Aoife Redmond(DSPCA Volunteer Co-ordinator) will be conducting the orientations and is
looking forward to meeting you. She will be giving a talk and behind-the-scenes tour sharing with you all the work that they do and opportunities to volunteer. The orientation will run about 1.5 hours. 

This Orientation is designed to give you more information to see if volunteering with the Dublin SPCA is something you really want to do.

If you can't make this session don't worry we will be doing another soon!  Just keep an eye out for invitation emails like this one. If you can make it, lease bear in mind that places are limited with each Orientation due to room size, so submit the application ASAP to secure your spot!
To register click here https://www.volgistics.com/ex/portal.dll/ap?AP=1265239584

Further updates on Adventures to follow , Marlene!!

Goodbye 3months DSPCA Stint ;(

Well my time is done but not over ;)

Can you believe the 3months is up and done, time fly's when your having a good time. I'm back in Vodaland now two weeks and what a difference. No puppies and Kitty's on my desk or under my feet, how will i ever cope. It really was a rewarding and educational time, i recommend everyone does a stint in a charity for 3months if you can or even on a regular basis. The World of difference programme is open to everyone so keep an eye on the site or the facebook page http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/VodafoneIrelandWorldOfDifference for the next application dates. 

I learned so much from the people and animals, the Veterinary clinic and boarding kennels are up and running and doing fantastic. The dog park is due to open September, its going to be fantastic with Agility areas for dog training, a pond with waterfall and loads of space. You will need to be a member to get special discounts and an access card to get in, your dog needs to have their kennel cough vaccination so not to risk catching or giving it to another dog. We worked long and hard on education for people looking to surrender and rehome their pets. Its still obviously a daily occurrence for the guys in the centre but hopefully getting better. Kitten season is in full swing and they are out the door with them, anyone looking to foster or rehome should contact the centre directly or email reception@dspca.ie . I had little 'Rocky' a lost kitten for 3weeks, i gave him back Friday to be put up for adoption, man its hard ill be honest with you but at least i gave him a great start in life and now he'll find a fantastic Forever home.

There are so many people to thank for my experience, Vodafone of course for giving me the opportunity all the girls and guys in the DSPCA Shelter and Clinic and a massive thank you to Lori Davis and the girls (Natasha, Suzanne&Jill) in the rehoming office for bringing a huge smile to my face everyday as i went to 'work' or play as i like to call it. I learned so much from my new friends and they've giving me so much to take away. I'm not gone though, I'm continuing to volunteer in the DSPCA so they wont get rid of my that quick. I already miss the lads in the morning welcoming in the door, Buddy, Beckham, Red, Apache, Angel, Mouse ..... the list goes on I'm heartbroken ;( . It has opened my eyes to the world and made me appreciate more what i have, its given me direction in my life and experience. A wonderful worthwhile experience.

As i said I'm continuing to volunteer when i can, i spent Saturday in the DSCPA Veterinary Clinic, an animal hospital pretty much that anyone in the public can register with. There is an emergency service available to registered customers so you have a choice now and again 100% of the profits go back into the shelter, what more could ya want ;) . Loads of gorge pets in yesterday, a lovely pair of 'Cockapoo's ' yes i said it, a mixture between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle, very sweet dog and low shed! A little Pomeranian with a broken leg ;( gorgeous little fella. A diabetic kitty called Smudgie, Ozzy the terrier cross, two ickle miniature Jack Russell's and a 2week old kitten OMG the cutest ever. See pics below. The Veterinary world in some description perhaps could be in my future, one will see.

With all that said guys&dolls, it costs over 2million a year to run the shelter with only 4% coming from government support, meaning the rest has to be fundraised. I'm running, jogging, walking then eventually crawling my way through the Flora Woman's Mini Marathon this June bank holiday weekend, please please sponsor me whatever you can. You can either give to me directly or through my charity page http://www.mycharity.ie/event/marlene_linnie_event/ .

Thanks all so much for your support, please continue to read my blog its not over yet I've many more adventures to come ;)

Cockapoo's

Abandoned Terrapin

Orphaned Kitten

Puppy abandoned



Kittens lost from mommy

'marlene' the sheep given to someone as a gift

Marlene

Rocky my foster kitten

2week old kitten

OMG How cute is he

absoloutely tiny, mommy MIA and his siblings died ;(

 

Dublin SPCA week 10 update

Hi all,
Apologies for the absence i have been really busy with work and other things but im here now so don’t fret. It's been an amazing 10weeks and roughly 3weeks left ;(, time has really flown and I settled in so well it was if id always been there. I have been working away on our Facebook page with the 'This just in' news which is proving to be very popular with the general public on seeing the volume and variety of animals we get in, from horses to dogs, cats, fowl, reptiles etc We have a wonderful story at the moment of little 'Izzy' the puppy rescued by a brave mother and her son on the canal in March from youths which had been using her as a football, definitely have a look when you get a chance she is adorable, she is in our office at the moment everyday as Natasha one of the adoption assistants is fostering her and she requires regular feeds. I’m still working away on the surrender project and have been in contact with the Richmond SPCA in America who have a very successful program I will be looking at implementing some of their ideas and help to educate the public on ways of 'getting rid' of their unwanted pets. Over the past few weeks we have had numerous types of surrenders from stray cats and kittens which cannot be helped to be loved family pets. Many many cats for various reasons some genuine and some that wont put in the effort for whatever reason. I’m still getting on average 4 calls a day from the public trying to surrender dogs, allot are people who will not persist with their dogs or are not willing to bring them with them wherever they are going, its frustrating and upsetting at times, there are of course genuine people which we try and accommodate when we can but space is a massive issue for us. We have had cockatiels, terrapins, ferrets to name a few over the last while, we do our best to rehome these. I spent a short while at reception last week and within the space of half an hour I was handed a Jack Daw (resembles a blackbird) literally into my hands, a blackbird came in a wine bow which had been injured in some way and a Terrapin in a shoe box which a man found just sitting by the canal. They are all assessed by the veterinary team. Kitten season has kicked in, it’s not in full swing yet but we are seeing mammy cats and their kittens coming in already, we have had a few litters, some have been very sick or feral and most are out to foster at the moment, they are not rehomed then until they are 10weeks. We have some of the most adorable ones at the moment being fostered by staff my heart melts when I see them ahhh, ill post some pictures below. The last two weeks have been mental with Mini Marathon mailings etc, myself and Colleen created packs and emailed thousands of ladies who have registered their interest with us with the hope that they will sign up and run on our behalf. We are looking for 1000 ladies this year which is a big feat but hopefully we can get that, as you know we rely on the public for funding. I’m running in the race this year along with my sister and my friends, I cannot wait and im going to do my utmost best to show the animals how much we care, id really appreciate it if you would consider sponsoring me if you are not already running in the race for us or anyone else or sure just want to sponsor me anyway ;), you can sponsor me directly or online here please www.mycharity.ie and search for 'Marlene Linnie' you will see my 2011 race. Thanks guys and dolls. The vet clinic and boarding kennels have gotten off to a great start, i have been helping out in the vet clinic when I can and aim to continue to do so by means of volunteering when my committed time is up. Its great experience, learning loads about clinics, animals, how clinics work and of course meeting people and their beloved pets. I have moved my own Oscar here and my parent’s cat, the girls are fantastic, the facility is top class and again 100% of the profits go back into the shelter. We are on schedule for our dog park in roughly September, it will be a confined and secure park in the grounds of the Dublin SPCA where people can bring their dogs to play and mix with other dogs. Its going to be a gorgeous park with a fountain and dog playing jumps etc, all dogs will require the kennel cough vaccination and members will have free access and other benefits like discounts in the boarding kennels etc cant wait it will be fab especially since its at the foot of the mountains with the most amazing views. So much more going on I could be here all week. We kicked off our Horse Amnesty programme last month with the support of the Mayor of Dublin, you can read all here http://www.dspca.ie/dspca/NHAP, I hope I don’t have to remind you of the events of Smithfield horse fair over the last few months, between stabbings, shootings and riding horse wild through the fair where children are present. Some of the animals here and all around Dublin and Ireland are severely neglected, it takes a horse 3months to starve so I do wonder what these people do be doing during this times. The amnesty aims to reduce the numbers of horses ending up in unregulated sales, such as Smithfield, and prevent the unnecessary suffering that many animals are forced to endure. The National Horse Amnesty programme is designed to encourage horse owners who are no longer able to care for their horses to seek help and advice from the Dublin SPCA . This represents a major shift in the Dublin SPCA service from fire-fighting to proactively working with horse-owners and concerned citizens to assist the animal before it is too late. With this programme we can assist the animal before it suffers through starvation, injuries or lack of veterinary care or finds itself being sold on at unregulated markets or to unscrupulous dealers. This is a fantastic programme, do read more on it and if you want any further information do feel free to contact me. Lastly for now anyway, im working with the Vodafone Foundation office to bring our Dublin SPCA mobile unit out to Vodafone’s Dublin premises in the next two weeks, there will be myself an adoption assistant and vet nurse on the day to answer any of your pet questions, we will have goodies and we will be providing information to people who would like to support us in the Mini Marathon and also to promote our new vet clinic and boarding. Natasha will hopefully be with me and will bring MJ her gorgeous pup rescued from a bad situation which he lost a leg. Hope to see you all there guys ill let you know the exact dates once confirmed by Vodafone. Thanks for reading and I hope you will consider sponsoring me in the Flora woman’s Mini Marathon, joining me in the run or becoming a monthly supporter with the Dublin SPCA. Ciao for now ya'll, Marlene

Terrapins found in a box in Fonthill Ind Est today abandoned

Bird in wine box

Izzy playing

Kitten

Flora womans mini marathon 2011

Hey ladies and potential male supporters ;)

We need your support for the flora womans mini marathon this June bank holiday, please consider running/walking in Aid of the Dublin SPCA as we are looking for 1000 people this year. If you cannot sign up for whatever reason please think about sponsering me or another person whom you now is running/walking in for the Dublin SPCA, see all info below guys, thanks a mill.

The Dublin SPCA Needs YOU for the 2011 Flora Women's Mini Marathon!

We're looking for 1,000 runners/walkers to participate in the Flora Women's Mini Marathon this year. Tell your friends and family and help us get together our largest group ever!

Register with us now!

Please say you'll STAND UP FOR ANIMALS by joining our team in this year's race. Last year we had 850 women participate to raise more than €85,000! This year we are raising the bar and shooting for the big €100K and we can do it with your help!

Race Date: Bank Holiday Monday 6 June 2011 at 3pm.

Why YOU are SO IMPORTANT

Each year it costs €2M to run the Dublin SPCA Animal Centre and 95% of this comes through fundraising. The money you raise will go directly to helping the thousands of animals that come into our care including sick and injured, cruelly treated and abandoned dogs, cats, horses, rabbits, birds, farm animals and wildlife.

Follow 4 Easy Steps & Get a Cool T-Shirt:

1. Register your entry online at http://www.florawomensminimarathon.ie/. Closing date is 27 April 2011 or when maximum number of entries is reached. You must register through this site or they will not allow you admission into the race.
2. Register with the Dublin SPCA online. We will post you a packet with a sponsor card. You have 3 shirt fab designs to choose from!
3. Use www.MyCharity.ie to raise MORE MONEY! It’s easy - create a profile in less than 3 minutes, choose the Dublin SPCA as your charity, and from there email everyone you know.
4. Download a Dublin SPCA Sponsor Card here.

If you have any questions, please email Lori.Davis@dspca.ie or ring 01 499 4700. Good luck in the race!
Meet Up Before the Race: A big group of us will meet up at 2pm at the gates of the Dail Eireann, at the intersection of Kildare & Leinster Streets and walk over to the starting line together. Everyone is welcome to join us.

PS. If you can’t participate this year, please become a monthly supporter online. From only €5 per month you can help us save lives, end cruelty and place animals in loving homes. Thank you!

Beckhams 10th Birthday!!!

hey Guys,

Check out Beckhams 10th birthday party that we had here for him in the DSPCA on Friday.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJA9vpX_l3I

Check out Beckhams story on our site also, http://www.dspca.ie/index.jsp?a=360&n=198&p=126 . He was a rescue from a back garden in Clondalkin were he was literally starving to death and would have if a kind member of the public hadn't reported the case of cruelty to us.

thanks guys!!
Marlene ;)

Restricted Breeds In Ireland

Hey All,

Wasn't savvy on this myself but have a read of the below I'm am now, dog breeds on a Restricted Dog Breeds in Ireland are there for a reason but then gives people the idea they are dangerous etc Staffordshire bull terrier's for example or German Sheppard's etc are lovely dogs, its the owners that can make them aggressive by training them to fight etc any dog can be vicious in the wrong hands they just need responsible owners.

The Control of Dogs Regulations 1998 specify 10 breeds which need strict control.

• American Pit Bull Terrier

• Bull Mastiff

• Doberman Pinscher

• English Bull Terrier

• German Shepherd (Alsatian)

• Japanese Akita

• Japanese Tosa

• Rhodesian Ridgeback

• Rottweiler

• Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Every other strain or cross-breed of these dogs are also covered.

These dogs must be securely muzzled and kept on a dog chain or leash. not more than 2m long, in a public place and supervised by someone aged over 16 years who is capable of controlling the dog.

Well there's some information for you now keep you on your toes ;)