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 ;)

DSPCA Week 5 update

Hey all,
Busy aul week this week and last week. Working away on a few projects 'This just in' on our facebook page were you will see the animals that come in throughout the day whether they are rescued or surrendored. Im also working away on success stories for our Veterinary, website and panfleats. These will be short stories on Cats&Dogs that we have rehomed over the last while from poor situations to wonderful new homes. Be sure to 'Like' our FB page Dublin SPCA. Here is a very sad story on how humanity is getting worse, a poor defenceless little pup unable to fight back tortured by youths. This little 5 day old pup was rescued by a young man and his mum on Monday evening. They came across youths on the canal bank who wear using her as a football, throwing her in the air and kicking her around. She was collected by Inspector Gillian Duffy on Tuesday and is now being fostered by Natasha, one of the girls... on the rehoming team. She requires feeds every hour and is getting lots of love and cuddles. We hope that she makes it.

New Veterinary Clinic at the Dublin SPCA

Veterinary Clinic Now Open!24-Hour Emergency Care for Your Pets Fionnuala Rogers MVB, Head Vet and Clinical Director

The new Dublin SPCA Veterinary Clinic is open for business! We offer full service veterinary care for companion animals. Vets are available to help you 24-hours a day. When you use our Vet practice, all of the profits go back into the Dublin SPCA Animal Rescue & Rehoming Centre to help care for sick, injured and cruelly treated animals and wildlife. For the first time ever, you have a choice to use Veterinary services where 100% of the profits go directly to charity. For more information call, visit or email vetclinic@dspca.ie.

BOOK YOUR VISIT TODAY
01 499 4780 Mon-Fri: 8:30am-7:45pm, Sat: 9am-12pm, Bank Holidays: 9am-1pm

EMERGENCY OUT OF HOURS CARE
24 hours a day, 7 days a week for registered clients

www.dspcaVets.ie
Thank you for supporting the Dublin SPCA!

Volounteering Orientation

JOIN THE DUBLIN SPCA VOLUNTEERING TEAM

Register to Attend the Dublin SPCA Volunteer Orientation on Saturday, March 12th 2011 at 10am & 12:30pm.

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 at 10am & 12:30pm on March 12th.  

   

There are qualifications that you must meet in order to volunteer:

·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.        

·        You must be 16 years old. 

·Can you commit to the shift hours listed below?        

·New Health & Safety regulations require anyone working in Animal Welfare must have a current Tetanus shot so all new volunteers must be up to date with their Tetanus requirements, please ask your doctor for a certificate.  You do not need to get your Tetanus injection for the orientation, you only need it when you start working with the animals.        

·You must be willing to commit at least 8 hours per month.         

Volunteer shift hours are:

Monday - Sunday: 9am-5pm, 9am-1pm or 1-5pm
Exceptions are:
Stable volunteers: 9am-12pm
Adoption Assistants: 11am-4pm Monday - Saturday & 11am - 5pm Sunday

Emma Clarke and Jane Sammon (DSPCA Volunteer Co-ordinators) will be conducting the orientations and are looking forward to meeting you. They 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. They are looking for 3 things in volunteers: Aptitude, Attitude and Commitment.

There are many people who want to volunteer with the Dublin SPCA and they will only consider those who demonstrate aptitude, possess a positive attitude, are persistent and patient and those who wish to make a true commitment to the organisation. 

Animal Welfare is about saving lives and improving quality of life for animals and people and the Dublin SPCA have high standards and expectations when it comes to their volunteers. 

TO REGISTER:Email Barbara McAfee  babs108@hotmail.com with your details if you meet all the qualifications and would like to attend.

Please indicate which time you'd prefer 10 am or 12:30pm. 

Please note: spaces are limited so please reply to Barbara as soon as you can as it is a first come first served basis.

Many thanks in advance

  

Emma Clarke & Jane Sammon

Volunteer Co-ordinators  

Dublin SPCA

Mount Venus Road

Rathfarnham

Dublin 16

http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=xkmqnycab&et=1104645414492&s=5181&e=001SsusWcsSGV321meCC9HCeFBB-AUVzN-CHorondmvoCiHZ7akEm2XYAAmU9svdS_bLO30miIYQf96-U_1GolyxBa3JwCYGSbFnA0TU2aPJKw=

Click here for a map to the shelter.

DSPCA Week 3

Hey All,

Week3 over the time is flying by. Witnessed the most wonderful donation today from a very caring person, financially massive to the welfare of animals and all from the goodness of their heart, so heart-warming honestly brightened up everyone’s day. There are wonderful people out there. Well another busy and rewarding week and very wet, it did not stop raining all week what’s up with that??? I was driving to work on Thursday the fog was really bad, I turned the corner on stocking lane and what came charging at me?? Two donkeys (pic below) mental, the guys&gal from the DSPCA went down and returned them to their field and notified the owner. Back on the same road then after lunch and same thing again! PJ our wildlife man straight back onto the owner again, really needs to learn to Donkey proof his field. I’m doing a new project at the moment for the Veterinary clinic, im collating success stories of ours for cats&dogs, were then looking at posting these along with the pictures on leaflets that will come with your veterinary pack in the new clinic and on the website. Everyone loves to see a good success story and how the funds raised in the DSPCA go to good work. The new veterinary clinic is now OPEN yaay! 100% of the profits go back into the shelter to make all the difference, if your looking to change practice or begin in a new one knowing full well where your money is going Ring 01 499 4780 for an appointment. Massive uplift again in surrenders last week so many people with genuine reasons and others who just are not willing to put the effort in, dogs especially are not just for Christmas. A sick family of kittens came in last week they are still with us and recovering but my heart bled looking at them gasping for breath and not being able to see, cat flu will do that to cats, as bad as human flu if not worse they had conjunctivitis and breathing problems. Hopefully they will get through it and be up for rehoming in now time. Cats are sparse for rehoming at the moment but kitten season is upon us so we are going to be inundated and it will be mental! Cats won’t normally breed in this cold weather there fussy like us woman ;) Kittens go up for rehoming at 10weeks old so the end of May early June we will have kittens up for adoption should anyone be interested. Camera man around last week filming the next series of our show, at one stage thought it was great to surprise us in the office and get us on film with Molly the kitten jumping around, not a word of notice didn’t have all the makeup on. We have a lovely terrier cross 'Taz' at the moment as mentioned in my last blog his family couldn’t keep him anymore as one of them is terminally ill ;( he is 13years old and full of beans. He doesn’t know he is that old and definitely has a few years left in him, we had him out for a walk today and he just wanted to play and run off not a bother on him. He's out to foster at the moment because the stress of the kennels isn’t helping him adjust, he'd really love a good home if you know anyone interested? As mentioned previously our boarding kennels are open also, they are state of the art and the dogs appear to love their stays, the doting staff definitely contributing to this. I’ve been working with our new developments manager on pricing advertising for the new boarding kennels&cattery so you will soon see adverts in your local papers, the People, Gazette etc keep an eye out, again all profits go back to the shelter. Molly the little kitten who ive featured in my blog is also looking for a good home Jill her foster mother wants to make sure she goes to a good home. Molly is gas, she doesn’t play rough, she’s very affectionate and wonderful with other cats, dogs and people. If you think you can give her a home contact me. The inspectors had a busy week again last week with horses, doesn’t appear to be getting any better, people don’t understand how much it costs to look after a horse, if your ever contemplating it take moment to consider all the money and time it takes, allot. The DSPCA has a wish list for office items, stationary etc if you think you might be able to donate any of these items also let me know I can arrange pickup/drop off. Thanks again for reading guys, hopefully opening your eyes in some way. Marlene

Farrah&Angel kissing

Stray Donkey

Taz out for a walk

Look what i printed! Molly!!

DSPCA Week 2

Hey Guys,
Week two over and it flew in but very busy all the same. Monday got off to a rough start with a man trying to dump his 9-10month old pup on us, the pup apparently had been eating the kid’s shoes and other stuff, digging the garden etc and the wife basically said the dog had to be gone by the time she got home. He had only gotten the dog a few months previous and basically said it was our responsibility to take the dog, don’t know where he got that idea from. When you get a pup you have to put the effort in, they are allot of work and teeth etc like babies, all he needed to do here was to make sure the dog was getting enough exercise and had chew toys like pigs ears for his teething. When he rang he said he was on his way up to us to dump the dog, there is no space for this kind of thing at the moment so after and very confrontational conversation he agreed to leave with the dog and seek the warden, hopefully he kept the pup or found it a good home. Tuesday was another busy and difficult day, I went out in the afternoon with an inspector, we went to a call where a family dog had been injured but the family had no idea what and how it happened. We loaded the old dog into the van and brought him back to the shelter, im not going to describe here what happened to him or what I seen but it was horrific to say the least, he didn’t make it unfortunately and the vet had to put him down when we got back ;( . The nurses notified the family and im sure they were distraught, under investigation the case is to determine how the injuries occurred. I went into the DSPCA with a stereotype of the kind of person who causes cruelty, neglect and abandons/surrenders their animals, that has all be thrown out the window, every person out there is capable of things kinds of things its very scary to think. 9/10 there is trouble in the home whether it’s drink/drugs/abuse etc and not only the people suffer but the animals do then also. The DSPCA also have a programme where if you are in a rough situation at home and you need to get to a safe house and get yourself sorted you can give your animal to us and we will look after it until the person is up on their feet, I think this is great, there have already been people using the programme. The calls for surrendering animals are still coming in hard and fast, its very sad for the animal when people just give up for whatever reason, but there are genuine cases. We had a wonderful family in this week that needed to find a home for their dog, the father is terminally ill and the wife can no longer keep the beloved family dog as if she is around it she can bring in contamination to the hospital where the husband is having treatment. The poor woman was very distraught, not having any space was a big problem here because we have nowhere for the dog, after an appeal from Suzanne our wonderful adoption assistant she managed to talk our CEO Jimmy into letting the dog stay and one of the staff has taken him in until we can find him a home ;) ahh. The lady made a wonderful donation to his care, she was very upset leaving him and he was also pining for her at the window as she drove off. We are about things like that, trying to find solutions for people while trying to be realistic. Also of calls this week into the centre for people looking for kitten season, the season runs from April until October traditionally when its too cold cats won’t breed. We will be inundated with kittens in the coming months so if you’re interested let me know and ill add you to the waiting list. The boarding facilities as mentioned are open and fantastic sanitary facilities (see pics below), cats from €14 a day and dogs €18 find more info on our website. The vet clinic is due to open this week, state of the art facilities and 100% of the profits go straight back into the DSPCA. It costs roughly 2.5million each year to run the DSPCA, care for the animals etc only 4% coming from the government, if your interested in becoming a monthly supporter or even donating once off contact me and ill give you all the information, alternatively find on the website. Mini Marathon time is upon us on the June bank holiday weekend, ive done it before and its great fun, we are looking to reach 1000 runners this year for the DSPCA, if you sign up to run for us you will receive your t-shirt and sponsor form. It’s for a great cause and great fun, the fire men at Donnybrook hosing us woman down alone is enough to get me to sign up ;), you need to sign up here also http://www.florawomensminimarathon.ie/ . Just also want to say thank you fair play to Louise&Cathy who this weekend separately rescued kitten who had been hit and run by a car left with a broken leg and a staffy dog who was let run in Kilcoole village getting hit twice, fair play for taking them in and bringing them to the UCD emergency clinic, the dog has gone home with the owner and the kitten to the DSPCA, will keep you posted on the kittens progress. Ciao for now guys more new and updates to follow with some new exciting prospects, especially for those who like to keep fit!!

New cat boarding

New dog boarding

 Jumbo, needs a home

Angel staffordshite bull terrier, has home, shes so sweet

Calvin,  has home now, has little white underpants under belly, hence his name

Week 1 over

Hey guys and dolls,
Well week1 over, can’t believe it, it flew in and I feel I slotted in very nicely and feel comfortable as one of the team, hope they feel the same of course! Allot of paper work and general contacting people back was done on Friday, I really do enjoy talking with the public, my days in the call centre in Vodafone helped groom me for speaking with customers and even helped to toughen me up for those less than cooperative customers as im sure you’re all familiar with ;) As such allot of contacting people back on Friday in relation to picking up their new pets that are ready for adoption or people who want general information about animals we have ready for adoption or those of course who can no longer look after their pets and are looking to see if we have space to take them. Had to get round to this a little later in the day as we had a power cut for about an hour, the wind knocked it off it was so fierce! I mentioned this of course in my other blog posts, there is a massive influx of people contacting looking to surrender their pets for numerous reasons, the main issue im seeing is people emigrating which links in I suppose with the press reports of 1000 people a week leaving the country I guess. Tis a crying shame ;( The DSPCA is a charity as you’re all aware and its main objective is to look after animals that have experienced cruelty, neglect, accidental injury and sickness but if there is space we will take in animals that people can no longer take care of. Sometimes it feels like some people think the DSPCA is a drop off point for all animals that they no longer want which is not the case. It will be one of my objectives to help re-educate people and support them with alternative ways to rehome their animals, we don’t want people to resort to extremes by dumping their pets etc. The DSPCA's annual running costs run up to 2million a year and only receive 4% of that from the department of agriculture, the remainder needs to be made up by fundraising, monthly donations and adoption fee's. I spent Friday locating contributors whose monthly donations had failed for whatever reason maybe they changed banks; they got a new card and didn’t update their card details or can’t afford it anymore. As its such a large part of revenue I will be contacting these people to rectify this and hopefully help them move to more convenient options, if you want anymore information on how you can help or sponsor an animal drop me a comment below or log onto the website. I will hopefully be out with the rescue teams this coming week and will let you know how I get on. Thanks for reading guys, have a happy Sunday! Marlo

What up? This little kitty Molly is looking for a nice home if anyones interested?

Peekaboo!!

Hey wheres everyone gone?

Day 4 DSPCA

Hey all!
Well another rewarding day, busy very busy the phone and emails and people never give its go go go! The time absolutely fly’s you look at your watch and are like 'hey were on earth did the time go?' which is great of course but are always able to give more. I spent the morning with our resident cat guru 'Neil' in the cattery, with the volunteers we cleaned out the cat pods fed and watered them. I love cats guys they are my favourite, im a massive animal lover but kitties are my fav as most of you are familiar with my constant Oscar updates!! So we had a school visit us today with 75 childers, they were brought to the education room to learn about responsible pet ownership and the 5 Freedoms (see in tit bit). They were then brought on a tour of the shelter (campus) and see all the domestic, equine, farm and wildlife. Hopefully they walk away with a better understanding of animals how to treat them and respect for them. After my morning looking after the kitties I went back to the office to document more paper work, learn from the girls and take some calls from the public. I’m still over whelmed by the amount of people who want to give up and surrender their pets. Understandably there are genuine cases out there but I think some people are ignorant to the part the DSPCA other animal charities play in our society e.g.: ISPCA, Dogs trust, dogs in distress. The DSPCA is here to look after, protect a support animals neglected, injured and cruelly treated, they are not a shelter for dropping off your unwanted pets. If there was space no problem but all the animals who have been abandoned are in desperate need are being housed. I spent the afternoon re-educating people and helping them along their way which was rewarding and positive, my management and communication skills came into great use. As mentioned in previous posts the amount of volunteers that come through the doors is amazing, each day I meet new people willing to give their time for only satisfaction in return is heart-warming. I’m working with people who have had high flying extremely well paid jobs with company cars etc to come to work for a charity, not earn as much as they did make sacrifices in their personal lives but go home in the evening extremely satisfied. How wonderful is that? What we all want in life I believe, to be content, happy and at one with what we do for a living. I've allot of respect and look up to these people. See below the pics I took today, I had a little sprite sit on my desk all day today 'Holly' little kitten about 4months old. She's out to foster at the moment but will be available shortly if anyone’s interested in her. If I had a house she'd be mine tomorrow, she’s great fun and such a sweetie. I learned today that Geese hiss! Who knew because I certainly didn’t and thought it was hilarious. We have all sorts up here and don’t just rehome cats, dogs&horses, if there’s anything specific you’re looking for let me know. Were open during the week until 4:30pm and open weekends too if you'd like to pop up with the family for a visit no commitment to take anything home I promise just pop up and say hi!! Nite all.

Step away for 2secs and my chair is gone ;(

 Working in Cattery

 Crazy Geese

 Inbox Kitty to be filed

Kitty taking over im heading home

Day 3 DSPCA

Hey Guys&Dolls!! 

Well another busy but rewarding day. The surrender problem to me is massive and appears to be getting worse, im talking about people who want to surrender(give up) their animals to the DSPCA for whatever reason eg; moving away, finance, new kids etc etc the list goes on, I have even came across some people who say 'the dogs to needy I cant handle it' . As the old saying goes 'a dogs not just for Christmas', that goes for all animals. As some of you have experienced with new pets there is an adjustment period with them, this can take weeks even months and a range of experiences contribute especially when it comes to having other animals in the house, it takes time people! The DSPCA are there to help and if you or anyone you know needs advice or help just contact us, the contact details are on the website www.dspca.ie. We spent most of today discussing alternatives to people who want to surrender their pets, one persons dog was full of beans when they came home from work and they couldn’t get peace thus they didn’t want them anymore, it was a large breed of dog and stuck in all day every day while their in work, HELLLLLOOOO!!! How would you feel if you were stuck in the kitchen all day every day with no company and exercise no wonder the poor dog was kicking up fuss. We explained the dog needs to be walked a couple of times during the day and someone needs to be there even for a little while during the day to let him out etc. The person accepted this and seems optimistic for the future choosing to hang onto the dog, which helps with our massive capacity issues. Dogs are social creatures, they need to be involved in family life and plenty of exercise, you can’t underestimate the love and good times you will get back from your dog if you look after them. Done allot of paper work today logging donations and adoptions, there are allot of very good people out there which is lovely to see. If you’re interested in donating at all let me know and ill send you out the forms, it can be a monthly thing or a once off payment whatever you can afford and will go a long way towards helping out. The DSPCA had over 4k of volunteer offers last year, an amazing amount of people wanting to donate time, ive done it myself over the years and its very rewarding and you make new friends, if your interested in that either let me know. The new vet’s clinic is coming on well and will be a roaring success with such great staff will keep you posted on the opening date. Learned a fair bit about different breeds today, Lurchers are amazing I love them and really want one their are the sweetest dog, very similar looking to greyhounds and like greyhounds only have a short burst of energy in them then they just want to sleep and snuggle, definitely and brilliant family dog and amazing around kids. If your ever looking for a pedigree dog don’t think that the DSPCA only has cross breeds. They come across everything, at the moment we have collies, boxers, cavalier king Charles, Jack Russell terriers, German Sheppard’s, the list goes on and calls everyday about Maltese, beagles, Samoyeds to be rehomed so don’t go giving your hard earned money over to money hungry (not all are that way im sure) when you find what your looking for in the rescue centres. Well ive ranted long enough im working in the cattery tomorrow which I love so will post how I got on and im also due to head out with the rescue teams which im sure will give me mixed emotions. Nite all man Yana!!

Shy Kitten looking for home                             Pooch&Fraggles, Tashs dogs, our office buddies

Lurchers head on my lap during lunch

Day 2 DSPCA

Day 2 in the DSPCA house! Well another rewarding day, busy busy busy. I spent the day learning the ropes with the adoption consultants; they deal with all sorts of queries from people wanting to adopt animals, speciality breeds, animal safety and the more depressing side of pet surrender ;( . This was the most shocking part of my day today. The amount of people who called through looking to surrender their pets. Some with genuine reasons like moving away and having tried so hard to find them homes with no luck to people who didn’t want to put the effort in to train their pets and wanted the easy way out. Very upsetting but we can’t take it personally and try our best to come up with alternative solutions for these people not always working. The DSPCA will take in what they can but I don’t think people understand that the DSPCA's first call is to support sick/injured/neglected and cruelty animals, as such capacity majority of the time is maxed out with no room for unwanted pets. There’s a long waiting list but do what we can when space free's up. Well onto happier items allot of pets especially cats were rehomed over the last week or so and all gone to new homes. I spoke to a girl in the morning who wanted an all black male cat which we just happened to have and straight after lunch she was up with the kids taking him home, ahhhh 'Bob' finally got a new home, or rather 'Salem' as they newly named him. Learning allot and it’s very rewarding to help people and animals find each other and to help them out. It's only two day in and ive already met some amazing and very generous people and spoke with some very ignorant selfish people, suppose that’s how the world revolves. If you’re looking to rehome and cat or dog from personal experience with Oscar it’s very rewarding, cats require an €80 donation and €135. Reason being when you get the animal it will be nutuered, microchipped, vacinated, deflead and wormed an awful lot cheaper than your local vets. And now with the new clinic you can ensure your pets follow on treatment is next to none and all profits go back into the DSPCA to help other animals in need. I have lots of pictures which im trying to load but still trying to get the hang of this blog business which Paul will help me with, will get them up ASAP if not you will find them on my Facebook. Will post again soon and will put up more details about the DSPCA. Any questions or comments feel free to leave them, thanks all for reading!!!