Girne Animal Rehabilitation Shelter

[ifonly]

CONGRATULATIONS to Girne Mayor and Belediyere on their new Animal rehabilitation shelter. KAR members, amongst others, attended the opening yesterday and were given a guided tour of the shelter. Mayor Nidai Gungordu gave a speech in which he thanked KAR for their help and advice. He said that they cannot take in all the dogs but aim to neuter and health check those that remain on the streets. At the moment they have completed one kennel block but will be building further kennel blocks at a later stage. KAR have said that they will continue to work with the Belediyre but they hope that a good support network of local volunteers can be established to help them with walking dogs, homing, toys, food and bedding etc.
All the dogs from their temporary shelter have been moved to their new home and they all look very happy.
Let us hope that forever homes can be found for them all soon.

[Cally]

Whilst this is an amazing achievement the care of the dogs will depend on the staff & I know from another such shelter things do not always go to plan.

IMO I still don't agree with the locking up of the dogs although I admit they are fed (hopefully) & receive veterinary treatment (hopefully) & they are safe.

However Famagusta has nearly 500 dogs & pups in just 2 years & are bursting at the seams, is this the way forward for all these souls, are they all going to be rehomed....... there is not much interaction with the dogs there. My heart breaks for them all.

Make neutering free or a small fee & neuter every dog that moves.......

[ljarvo]

Totally agree Cally - its a positive step forward. However at the end of the day its no life long term for a dog in kennels..is that really the solution? Maybe there is never going to be enough staff to give the dogs the stimulation/love they do need.

On a side note I was in Bar George tonight and there are a few dogs still there - they are neutered and making the best of it - seem ok and but importantly free... I hope these dogs are not removed and put into shelter...

[Ragged Robin]

I recently took on a dog from the Famagusta shelter (long story why). She is so, so very, very happy to have a home of her own it makes me cry, but after a very little care, feeding and grooming she is such a pretty dog and her happiness is so engaging and infectious that everyone she meets falls for her. When my beloved little Minik had to be put to sleep, I decided in view of my own age and health it would not be responsible to take on another dog. (I have another two as well)> I am glad I changed my mind as Rosie has persuaded me that what happiness she is now experiencing for however short a time is worth having. Something must however be done to help dogs in the event of death or sickness of an owner so older people are not discouraged from adopting.

I have said all along that what dogs need is a home and person of their own, but there are probably too few people for all the dogs. In my opinion in order to home as many as poss. the authorities and Charities and Vets should work together to encourage adoption rather than making it so expensive and stressful that people are put off.

We also urgently need an organisation that will help and encourage older people and disabled to adopt. The dogs are a comfort to these people and the dogs themselves get more love and attention than a normal working person can give them It just needs a little bit of support and help from others and is becoming the norm in the US and UK

And yes, I quite agree, that free or at least cheap neutering is essential. The first thing I did was to have the dog neutered so a least if she did eventually have to cope without me she would have a better chance of survival and re adoption.

I hear that one Charity is doing good work in schools educating children about dogs, but adults often need education and this should be free , also dog training courses should be available for all

The other things that is desperately needed and only the Autorities can do is very strict restrictions on what animals can be imported, particularly larger and potentially aggressive breeds. Unfortunately not only would that be very unpopular but I tend to forget this is an Island and I came accorss recently numerous adverts for speciality hybrid breeds are being bred and sold in theSouth. From the appearance of some of the strays is seems some of them must have passports!

[Panchocat]

Well done to all involved.
However the new kennel block is already full with the dogs brought back down from the mountain. So what happens next?
Will any new dogs be taken back up to that awful mountain enclosure? I hope not, and while I applaud that Girne have finally built this facility it is clear that one kennel block is nowhere near enough accommodation. I hope that they don't take too long to provide more kennel blocks.
Well done to KAR for sharing your input and expertise with Girne Belediere.

[ifonly]

RR " We also urgently need an organisation that will help and encourage older people and disabled to adopt. The dogs are a comfort to these people and the dogs themselves get more love and attention than a normal working person can give them It just needs a little bit of support and help from others and is becoming the norm in the US and UK"

KAR are already doing this - they have a Foster scheme where they encourage people (of all ages) to "foster" one of their dogs/cats (normally these are their older residents who need a home during their own twilight years) - this is an extract from their campaign back in September.

"Our aim to find long-term (indefinite) foster carers for some of our older dogs and cats. Many have been with us since they were puppies/kittens and have never lived in a home environment. It would be good for them to experience life outside the rescue centre and enjoy some home comforts!
Each foster carer will have the support of a nominated KAR volunteer and KAR will remain responsible for any vet fees.
The animal will be fully vaccinated and their flea/worming treatment will be up to date. Basic essentials such as a collar, lead, basket will be provided together with one week's supply of food.
In the event of holidays/hospital care, KAR can arrange accommodation for the animal so you don't need to worry about finding someone to look after them while you are away. If you are interested and would like more information, then please pm us or e-mail karrescuecentre@gmail.com"

[sophie]

Fostering is the way to go. You have the love and companionship of an older dog, but in the knowledge that KAR are there to back you up when necessary. As the Mayor of Girne stated at the opening "do't buy from a Pet shop when you have their new Kennels." Give a gorgeous and loving animal a home, especially if you prefer one that is getting on in years and is no longer an exuberant pup.

[Keithcaley]

Fostering is the way to go. You have the love and companionship of an older dog, but in the knowledge that KAR are there to back you up when necessary. As the Mayor of Girne stated at the opening "do't buy from a Pet shop when you have their new Kennels." Give a gorgeous and loving animal a home, especially if you prefer one that is getting on in years and is no longer an exuberant pup.

For those of us who are 'getting on' , this could provide a solution to the worry that any pet that we may take on is liable to live longer than we do - there are so many sad stories of pets needing to be re-homed after their owners have died - I've been banned from taking on any more cats or dogs on that basis, as given the average life expectancy of our pets so far, they would end up towing me around in a wheelchair in the not-so-distant future - assuming that I live that long!