More Stray Dogs than ever

Young, old, thin, injured - more dogs than ever before are being brought in to us. Is it the result of the credit crunch? Some people would keep their dogs no matter what - others can't afford the food and vet fees. We are one of the few organisations that still take in stray dogs. Most of the big animal charities are not able to do so. Where do all these dogs come from? And what happens to them after they are brought in?

This little puppy was dumped at the sanctuary. Most of the other dogs come in as strays - brought in by the Dog Wardens. This service operates Monday to Friday during normal working hours. Out of hours the public are told to ring their local Council who have a care line. Instructions on where to take the stray dog is given by them. All the strays in this area come to us.

The first thing is to check the dogs over for injury and see what sort of condition they are in. Sometimes it's a dash to the vet, other times, lots of food and t.l.c. will do it. We regularly have dogs brought in who have lost most of their hair because of flea and tick infestations. Recently, a labrador was brought in, bleeding profusely from her head - she'd been knocked down but was fine after the vet had stitched her up and 'super-glued' her back together again. Recovery is often slow. Rehabilitation, if the dogs has behavioural problems, takes even longer. Cindy, the border collie, isn't housetrained. Establishing a routine, regaining confidence and learning to communicate, is solving the problem - it's been slow but we're getting there. Russell, the lab x staffi, suffers from separation anxiety and wrecks the joint when he is left. Helping him gain confidence is a slow process but he is improving. Monty, the terrier x is aggressive because he's frightened. When he comes out of his shell and learns to trust humans, he'll be fine.

We are desperate for donations of dog (and cat) food, blankets and towels. We need help to pay vet bills and for general care of the dogs - de-flea-ing, worming, vitamins, cleaning and repairs and renewals. Stressed out dogs can be very destructive.

Please send, via the website or to: St.Bernard's Animal Sanctuary, Broomhill Road, Old Whittington, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S41 9EA. Payable to: St.Bernard's Animal Sanctuary.

Please remember that we have a non destruction policy and lots and lots of happy endings!