Girl Guides learn about rescuing dogs
(L-R) Girl Guides Alisha Kee, Adelaide Walton and Angelina Goodwin with Puddles
(CNS Local Life): Two representatives from One Dog at a Time (ODAAT), with three puppies in tow, paid a visit to the Sixth George Town Girl Guide unit to talk about their canine rescue organisation. ODAAT directors, Paula Blane and Caroline Johnston, attended the 8 May meeting at St Ignatius Catholic School, which will contribute to the guides gaining their Community Badge later in the year.
After a PowerPoint presentation related to the organisation, how it raises money and the increasing number of dogs being rescued, Johnston answered questions posed by the guides. She confirmed that so far this year, ODAAT have saved 70 dogs, one more than the total saved in all of 2016.
“Our organisation has been growing from strength to strength,” Johnston said. “When it started four years ago, we saved four dogs; in the following year, 20, at the end of 2015 it was 27 dogs and now it looks like it will be 100 by December of this year.”
She added that a benefit of adopting from ODAAT is that their dogs are placed in foster homes, so the organisation knows all about them and how they would fit in with a family.
“Our fosters are amazing and they help shape the new life of a dog or puppy who were on death row. We are always looking for more foster homes, that will open their doors to a dog or puppy for a few weeks, even a weekend, to help us,” Johnston added
Many of the guides asked how they could raise funds for the organisation. “Any amount of money or goods donated to us are greatly appreciated,” Blaine explained. “Whether it be collecting coins in a Smarties tube, organising a cake bake, or a larger fundraiser, we are always pleased of any support.”
Johnston also answered a question about adopting a dog, explaining it was a simple process, with a meet and greet, a home check, a sleepover and then, in the majority of cases, an adoption.
“For an adoption, we ask for a minimum donation of $100,” she said. “Many people donate more as they are keen to cover the costs of food and equipment whilst the dogs were fostered, medical outlays covered by ODAAT, such as vaccinations and the spay or neuter of their new pet, and they know they will save another dog’s life with the donation.”
