Animal welfare group expands in Tipp
Haven Rescue, a foster rescue for animals based in Roscrea, is expanding its facilities and is hoping that the public will support by donating to help build extra kennels for greyhounds for which it cares.
Haven Rescue comprises a small group of volunteers who share the same approach to animal welfare and value each individaul animal that comes in to its care.
It is solely run by volunteers, including co-founders Jenny Nolan and Rosie Dowling, who provide care and rehabilitation for animals in their own homes.
The group says they have a very strong network of carers who work alongside qualified professionals and dog trainers.
Currently Haven Rescue is building seven new kennels so it can take in more unwanted greyhounds and hopefully find them loving homes.
“It’s quite a big undertaking but it will all be so worth it,” says Orla Donohoe, a volunteer with the service, who hopes that people will support the work by making a donation through its social media links.
“We would be extremely grateful for any help,” says Orla, who outlined one particular heart warming story about a lurcher called Bridget who came into their care recently.
Bridget was in such poor condition with a broken leg that it ultimately had to be amputated. During follow-up treatment it was discovered that Bridget, despite the amputation, had actually gained three kilograms.
“That couldn’t be right, even with our maths skills, joked Orla, who along with the other volunteers was about to get a huge surprise.
Bridget, it turned out, was pregnant and despite everything she had suffered there were sings of life in the form of tiny heart beats in her womb.
“When we got the news she was about two weeks off having puppies,” Orla revealed of the vet’s diagnosis.
She added: “We will admit we were a bit dismayed and quite concerned as it would mean more stress on Bridget’s body and her wound! Would she be able to give birth? Would there be complications? Would the puppies survive?”
Bridget eventually gave birth to a litter of six pups, three of which were born alive, including one with a cleft palate which also ultimately sadly died despite great care by volunteers.
But the good new is that Bridget and her two remaining pups are doing just fine. “She (Bridget) has shown us all the strength and perverence to carry on for her babies,” says Orla.
HOW TO DONATE
If you wish to donate to the work of Haven Rescue see their page on Facebook or on other social media.