Published: Friday, 12th March, 2010 1:59pm
Could you give a rescue pet a home?
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Seven-year-old German Shepherd, Jade
Scotland's animal welfare charity is encouraging people in Ayrshire and
South West Scotland to consider giving an unwanted or abandoned animal a
loving home as part of Scottish SPCA Rehoming Week.
Running from March 22 - 28, Scottish SPCA Rehoming Week will hopefully raise awareness of the benefits of rehoming a rescued animal rather than buying a new pet.
In 2009 the charity rehomed over 6,000 animals from its ten animal rescue and rehoming centres, ranging from popular pets such as cats, dogs and rabbits to exotic creatures such as spiders, terrapins and parrots.
But there are still hundreds of animals in the charity's care waiting to find loving, permanent homes.
Marion Hainey, Manager of the Scottish SPCA's Ayrshire and South West Scotland Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Ayr, said, "Lots of people are aware that the Scottish SPCA rescues and cares for animals that are unwanted and abandoned, but far less people know that we actually rehome animals from our centres.
"While we would never encourage impulse buying, it's really important that we rehome the animals in our care as quickly as possible because sadly there is always a constant stream of animals needing our help.
"Some of the animals that come to us have been starved, ill-treated or
dumped on the street like rubbish. Others are found as strays and are
never reclaimed by their owners.
"There are so many homeless animals in this country that deserve a second chance. Buying a new pet from a shop or a breeder isn't the only way to give an animal a home.
"All the animals in our care are vet checked and many of our dogs, for example, have already mastered basic housetraining and obedience. We
also have animals that need very special homes, with experienced owners
who have the time and ability to give them the extra care and support
they need.
"We are inviting anyone who is thinking about getting a new pet to come
along to our centre and meet the animals in our care, who are all
desperate to find themselves a loving new home."
Marion added, "We always advocate responsible pet ownership at all
times.
"This means thinking carefully about whether you are in a position to
provide for the welfare of an animal including feeding, care, exercise
and veterinary treatment.
"We also encourage people to discuss taking on a pet with their families
to ensure that everyone in the household is agreed that they are willing
and able to care for a new pet.
"Once you've decided to get a new pet we would be delighted to welcome
you to our centre.
"You may just find that your ideal pet is waiting here for you."
Jade is a seven year old German Shepherd looking to find a loving
forever home.
She finds kennel life a bit stressful and displays this by being very
timid and nervous. However, away from the kennels she relaxes and is
very affectionate and well natured.
Jade is happy around other dogs so she may be suitable for someone
looking to extend their doggy family. Her ideal home would be with a
family with older children or a couple or person living alone and her
owner will be someone with knowledge of her breed.
Staff are desperate to find this lovely lady the home she deserves. Is
Jade the girl for you?
Anyone interested in rehoming an animal can telephone the Scottish SPCA
Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999 or visit scottishspca.org/rehoming.
