A passionate appeal for more volunteers and helpers to join a dedicated Eden Animal Rescue team was made as the charity held its latest fundraising open day.
People of all ages — some accompanied by their own four-legged friends — flocked to Moorlands Head Farm, near Temple Sowerby, on Sunday when the sun shone on several hours of activities and entertainment.
More than £2,000 was raised, much to the delight of dedicated staff members, volunteers and chairman of trustees Chris Cheetham.
“It’s partly to fund-raise because we need money like every charity and the other thing is to remind people we’re here in the Eden Valley; to bring in people to meet the cats, meet some of our dogs in the hope that will maybe start a rehoming process for them,” said Chris.
“We’re about to get to the busy time of year for cats with kitten season and always it’s a lot better for people to meet our dogs — just looking at them on the website is not quite the same thing.”
Chris said of the charity, which also takes in small furries including rabbits, guinea pigs and ferrets: “Sadly some of the dogs that come to us aren’t in the best of health. We’ve noticed what you might call the ‘fashionable’ breeds — French bulldogs and so on — people are suddenly discovering they are a very expensive proposition because they suffer particularly with breathing problems which require surgery to resolve. That doesn’t come cheap and for lots of people it’s just beyond their means these days.”
There were “all sorts” of dogs currently in the EAR kennels seeking their forever homes. Chris explained: “We’ve got ones that have been given up maybe because a family member has died; ones that are maybe more of a handful than people thought they were, particularly the breeds that want lots of exercise.
“I don’t think people realise quite how much work there is to keep a dog fit and happy. It’s a really nice thing to do. It’s good for you — you can’t not go out for exercise every day with a dog.
“There are lots of positives for people, including the companionship. We do get dogs that are a bit more troubled, shall I say, but we’ll work with those before anything happens and before they move on, and we can give people help and guidance afterwards as well.
“We’re also always looking for volunteers. It’s not just if you can dog walk or you want to look after the cats. It can be things like working in the office; helping in the shop in the middle of Penrith; looking after the gardens and if you’re a DIY fanatic there are plenty of buildings to look after so we’ve got lots of things for people to do. You offer the help, we’ll find it!”
Adrian Thompson, of Flakebridge, near Appleby, volunteers at EAR with his wife, Mags, and the couple also recently rehomed eight-year-old Mylo.
“We get total pleasure in talking the dogs out for a walk, meeting them and all the staff who do a marvellous job,” said Adrian. “I’d recommend anybody to come and volunteer. It doesn’t cost you anything and the time that you give is appreciated by everybody. The staff work so hard and are such lovely people, they just deserve people to help them which is what we love doing.”
Margaret Martin, of Castletown, Penrith, was there on Sunday with her four-year-old rescue greyhound Phoebe, having previously rehomed an EAR bull lurcher called Arthur.
“I think everyone here does a great job. Animals need rescuing and rehoming dogs is a good thing to do. They need homes,” she said.
“I find there is companionship, it makes you get out of the house for a walk. You meet people, if you go for a walk people will stop and talk to you. If you’ve got a dog it’s an ice-breaker as well.”
To find out more about volunteering at Eden Animal Rescue or rehoming animals, call 01931 716114 or email admin@edenanimalrescue.org.uk
