Mia gets mamma in dog rescue charity milestone

Aug 9 2012 by Sharon Liptrott, Galloway News

THE REGION’S dog rescue charity is celebrating a major milestone.

Dumfries and Galloway Canine Rescue has just found a home for pet number 2,500.

Mia, a “delightful” 18-month-old Staffordshire terrier, has found a loving home with Hazel Sisi in Creetown.

The centre has come a long way since March, 2003, when it started caring for two strays.

More than a decade of dogged determination by volunteers and staff to give stray, unwanted, abandoned and ill treated animals in the region the chance of a new life.

The charitable organisation was formed after press reports in November 2000 which revealed the National Canine Defence League’s plans to leave the Dovecotwells centre at Glencaple near Dumfries in 2003 after 24 years.

A dedicated team of dog-lovers formed Dumfries and Galloway Canine Rescue to make sure the welfare of needy dogs in the region was continued.

And in March 2003 – after a major fundraising drive – they moved into the abandoned buildings and made them their own as the Dumfries and Galloway Canine Rescue Centre.

Years down the line the service is still going from strength to strength with a much improved centre funded through a lot of charity events and donations every year.

Chairman of the charity, Diana Lord, said: “We are so pleased that this delightful little dog has found such a super home with one of our long-term supporters and we would like to thank all those who have given us so much help over the years.

“In March 2013 it will be 10 years since the kennels at Glencaple were saved by local people. We will be celebrating our anniversary and, hopefully, our 3,000th dog finding a new, forever home during the year.

“Mia’s new owner says she has become a welcome addition to the family and is learning how to swim in her own paddling pool.

“She has been out and about as an ambassador for rescue dogs in general and Staffies in particular, visiting places as diverse as the Appleby horse fair and a motorbike rally.

“Mia has already gained her bronze good citizen award and is now studying for her silver.

“Unfortunately, she has a bit of a crush on the beagle over the road and her owner has had to raise the garden fence to stop her jumping out to meet her friend but she is now putting her jumping ability to good use in the sport of dog agility with the Way Out West Dog Training group.”

Anyone who would consider rehoming a dog from the centre can view those waiting for their new homes on its web site www.caninerescue.co.uk or by visiting the kennels at Dovecotewells, Glencaple between 12pm and 4pm, seven days a week.