Diary of a Volunteer - The Final Installment - Part 3/3

Catch up with Merseyside volunteers, Helen and John as they reach the end of their first year of volunteering with the centre.

October

I did my Animal First Aid course; it was fun putting a bandage on cuddly toy animals and imagining that our dogs were going to remain still for me to bandage their leg. However, it is a comforting thought that if the worst happened, I would have basic knowledge of the best actions to take.

November

Snoop and Bryn visited the centre to say hello. We’ve had them for five months at this point and it’s as though they have always been a part of our life. Many of the staff came over to say hello; Georgina, the Centre Manager, was in the car park and remarked how well they looked. We really felt quite humbled by this, as it is impossible to imagine that they would have looked any different, but then we did not see them on their first day in the centre, which coincidentally was on John’s birthday in February.

The following week we tried our hand at agility. I have so much respect for those folk and dogs who do this especially after having had a go myself. Michelle brought Jaz her 10 year old collie and Clare had Zack her 18 month old staffie. Everyone had an attempt at each piece of equipment. The aim was to show us the art of safely teaching a dog agility. Unfortunately the weather has taken a turn for the worse and we have not had the opportunity to put this into practice as of yet. I look forward to the spring when my training will be able to give some of the dogs something different to do.

December

We had a lovely evening out at the volunteer’s Christmas meal and it’s been brilliant to meet like-minded people who love and care for our canine companions as much as we do. It was also rather strange to see these folk in clothes, other than those they wear to go out dog walking!

So, here we are at Christmas 2010. My Christmas morning consisted of walking Snoop and Bryn in the local park, and both loved running around in all the snow. After breakfast at home with John, we celebrated by helping at the centre. Of course my first visit was to see Jacob to give him his Christmas cracker from Snoop and Bryn.

I collected Jacob, met with John and Kevin (another volunteer who fell in love and adopted Paddy) and we all went off site around the park. Afterwards I went over to block 3 to give Barry a hand. What a perfect Christmas morning… roll on next Christmas!

We are now nearing the end of our first year journey and if I look back and ask myself what I wanted to achieve from voluntary work, I don’t think I really knew at the start. However, what I did know was that we had some spare time, a little knowledge and a lot of love for dogs.

What have we achieved from voluntary work:

• A sense of fulfilment
• Unconditional love and devotion from the dogs when they learn to trust you
• New friends – both staff and other volunteers
• Being able to put life’s challenges into perspective
• Lots of walking out in the open air is better than any gym – and is also absolutely free!
• The opportunity to gain continued personal development
• An excuse not to do the housework (!)
• But most of all, two very loyal companions – Snoop and Bryn

I have mentioned a few of the staff, but I really need to say a huge THANK YOU to all of them for being helpful and friendly, making us feel very welcome and a valued part of the team.

There are some people who will never understand why we want to do this yet so many people think volunteers are wonderful. The secret is anyone can do it, I just wish I had known this sooner!

If you would like to volunteer with your local centre, please visit our website for information.

Read part 1: http://bit.ly/DT_Vol1
Read part 2: http://bit.ly/DT_Vol2

Diary of a Volunteer - Summer - Part 2/3

Volunteers Helen and John have some new additions to the family and making a new friend at the centre over the summer months.

June

Yippee – after arriving back from our holiday in Vienna, we collected Snoop and Bryn in the early afternoon on the 9th. Now the fun was to start, settling two dogs into our routine whilst attempting to continue our volunteering at the centre.

I must admit, it has been a little more difficult trying to train two dogs at the same time, but the rewards are definitely twice the amount. When people who you see out and about congratulate you on how well they are doing it, really does give you a great sense of satisfaction.

During the working week our dogs are walked around the local park, approximately three miles round trip. John and I take it in turns, a week about depending on John’s shift. At the weekend we both try to walk together and it generally includes a trip to the beach. After a good run along the beach and home for breakfast, it’s a good time to allow the dogs to rest and we take a couple of hours for voluntary work.

Snoop is always very interested in having a good sniff of our clothes on our return but she never misses out on a big love and a few treats. Bryn doesn’t seem to be too interested in the smells, but is very pleased to have a treats and play with his toys.

The volunteer’s walks are an excellent opportunity to take the dogs off site for a few hours, find somewhere different to walk and have a chat with our fellow volunteers. The dogs are very good and seem to be more interested in the new smells than the other dogs. Of course we are always guided by the staff as to which dogs are suitable for off site walking.

July

On the 4th of July I headed over to block 4 and asked Jenny which dogs she would like me to walk. After walking Sam and Scrappy, she handed me Jacob, an eight year old cross that people walk past, me included, as he barks and jumps around. One of the members of staff, Jenny said that he would love a nice walk and he did. In fact, it was a little sad really as Jacob seemed distant and there wasn’t much interaction from him, he just had a mission of walking. ‘Well,’ I thought, ‘there is a challenge if I ever had one.’

All of my visits to the centre now include walking Jacob. Once out and walking he knows we go off site and he is very excited, showing me the way. We have our little rituals, but every walk is slightly different. He loves wading through puddles and ploughing through snow, and he definitely has a great personality. Jacob also loves other dogs; whenever he sees a dog out on a walk he will have a little cry as if to say ‘can I go and say hello?’, but is then always happy to continue his walk. Jacob proudly sits and says please for a treat. He also loves a fuss, in fact he is a real big softy and when you get to know him, he is a gentle giant. I would absolutely love Jacob to find a forever home, but I would miss him dearly.


August

We had a fantastic time helping out at the Summer Open Day. It was great to work with all the staff in a different way. We were helping out on the Doggie Run; John was walking around advertising the run and I was helping the two Jenny’s whilst they were timing the dogs as I was writing the dogs’ names and details of the owners. We were very busy all afternoon and it was great fun, yet quite competitive at times!

Keep your eyes peeled for the final installment of Helen's diary to see what happens in the final few months of their first year of volunteering.

Read part 1: http://bit.ly/DT_Vol1
Read part 3: http://bit.ly/DT_Vol3

Diary of a Volunteer - Part 1/3

Helen, a volunteer at our Merseyside centre, has kept a diary of her experiences over the past year. Helen and her husband, John decided to get involved with the centre after the passing of their dog in September 2009.

Here, Helen shares her thoughts of the first few months with the centre.

December

A most terrible thing happened at the end of September 2009. Some people say, “I’ll never have another dog, I don’t want to go through that heartache again”, and others pick themselves back up again and find a new friend. John and I were sort of in between; we both knew that we would love to have another dog, but with certain commitments over the next 12 months, it was not fair to adopt from Dogs Trust straight away. So we took a trip to our local centre and completed a volunteer application form.

Not knowing anything about being a volunteer we knew that we would have to ask about what sort of commitment we would be required to give. We were delighted to hear that the voluntary work was whenever we could make it. We didn’t have to let anyone know when we would be available, which suited us down to the ground.

We went along to the induction on Sunday 20th December 2009. The weather was terrible, it was cold and icy. We arrived at the centre just before 11am and joined the other newly recruited volunteers in the reception area awaiting the induction.

Clare, the Volunteer Co-ordinator, collected us from the reception and took all 10 of us up to the staff tearoom. She was so enthusiastic that the hour induction flew past and before we knew it we were walking around the blocks and becoming acquainted with the centre.

John and I had gone prepared in our walking clothes and raincoats so whatever the weather we decided to walk a little, even though Clare had given us full permission not to stay in this weather. I think we were both quite apprehensive as this was so different than walking your own dog. Clare jumped straight in and gave us Roxy and Billy, two Pomeranians. They were so sweet and loved being together. What a lovely feeling I got from giving them the opportunity to wander around the centre. We took them back and collected Rupert and Badger, eight year old JRT cross brothers. We weren’t sure which one was which, but they were quite funny! The weather got worse and started to snow so after walking for half an hour , we signed out and went home.

January

The next visit was on Saturday 2nd January 2010 – we decided that this would be our year for voluntary work. We decided to see how we could manage and wow many hours can we clock up by the end of the year. Now there was a challenge!

We arrived at 9.15 am and sort of made a beeline for Badger and Rupert in block 4, but we were intercepted on the way by block 2. We took Jackson (a seven month old collie) and Bobby (a 12 month old cross breed). Both had homes, which was great news. Then we went out on our own with John taking Jimmy a terrier who was very nervous and I had Elsa (a resident staffie). John had done two laps before I’d even done one!

Next up John was with Sirus (a lurcher) and I had Lex (a three year old cross breed). After two laps we then went back to collect Rupert and Badger before the staff went for their break. We did a couple of laps and then sat in the summer house, as the rain got heavier. We put the boys on the seat and they took turns in sitting on our knees, this was a lovely moment and I’m not sure who was enjoying it the most! We did another turn around the centre and I managed to slip on some ice. Rupert looked at me as if to say, ‘what are you doing down there?’. This really made me chuckle!

‘Gosh, how great is this making me feel? I feel so invigorated I can’t wait to go back tomorrow’, I thought. It was also brilliant that John was there with me; it’s something that we can do together, but still have our own space. What a perfect pastime. Even though the volunteering was no replacement for Dylan, it was certainly helping us come to terms with our loss.

March

It’s early March and the weather isn’t much warmer, but we are starting to be recognised by the staff at the centre and by other volunteers. On our first few visits to the centre I was almost attempting to see how many dogs I could take out and help to give a little stretch of their legs, but now I’m finding myself giving a longer walk and more quality time to each one. It also means the staff aren’t constantly handling the dogs in and out of the kennels. It seems to work well by doing a couple of laps of the grounds to achieve that initial stretch, followed by lots of cuddles and sometimes kisses! Of course not all dogs want that sort of intimacy, but just to sit and watch the world go by is good enough.

I ventured out with Finn, a 4 year old trailhound. Finn is so handsome and has such a loving nature, but seemed quite nervous. We did a lap and I kept talking to allow him to get used to me. We then stopped in the middle of the grounds and just watched while I gently talked and stroked him. Finn started to relax a little and I gave him a few treats. We then had lots of big loves and fusses, and after another few laps we sat at the bench for more loves and treats. On the way back to his kennel Finn was so much more relaxed, I felt so satisfied that I had been able to give a little calm to him; it is such a wonderful feeling.

It’s very strange as I have mainly had Collies at home, but volunteering at the centre has opened my eyes to many other types of breeds. Who knows what our next canine companion will be?

I’ve asked my manager at work if my department will accommodate a change from my 9 - 5 job for 12 months to allow me an afternoon each week at the Dogs Trust. I’m so excited about this change as it will certainly help towards obtaining voluntary hours and commences in April 2010. It’s not always possible to volunteer at weekends so this way I can visit the centre at least once a week.

April

It’s Easter and the weather still isn’t that much better, but on Sunday and Monday, John and I spent a few hours each morning at the centre. This was quite exciting as we asked if we take the dogs off the grounds to the little park. The dogs really enjoyed themselves; different scenery, smells and longer walks. It was also the first time that we walked Snoop and Bryn (a mum and son) together; little did we know what was to follow.

April 11th, our first volunteer walk – the planned Formby Walk ended up being ‘the dream’ due to the weather. We congregated at 10am and Clare led the way. We took Snoop and Bryn. This was all very ironic as ‘the dream’ was quite poignant, this was the walk we tried to do with Dylan but never got the opportunity. So after a deep breath off we went with Snoop and Bryn. Halfway up the hill, we stopped for a fuss and waited for the others to catch up, Snoop, despite being 13, was definitely a front runner. As I gave Bryn a good fuss, I realised that he didn’t have his usual harness on, but this one had the name tag ‘Dylan’. John and I both looked at each other and smiled. Was this fate?

The following weekend after walking Snoop and Bryn, John and I talked about our expressing our interest in rehoming the pair. However, we had a camping week to look forward to in May and our holiday at the beginning of June. It wasn’t quite the right time, but we were prepared to wait.

Come back tomorrow to read Helen's summer entry, including helping out at the popular Summer Fun Day!

Read part 2: http://bit.ly/DT_Vol2
Read part 3: http://bit.ly/DT_Vol3

Love walking and live in Yorkshire? Read on, we have just the thing for you!

Two artists are looking for volunteers to walk in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, recording their progress on tiny head-mounted cameras. So if you regularly walk your dog in the area or even just love a ramble, then this could be for you!

The project is called Meander and has been created by artist duo Shanaz Gulzar and Steve Manthorp, who work together as ADEPT.

They are looking for at least two volunteers for each walk, and each pair of recordings will be edited together into a synchronised, split-screen film showing where the wearers were looking and what engaged their interest at every moment.

All films will be made available online so that anyone can enjoy any part of the walk from the participants’ perspective, building up an online video archive of creative walks and interesting places.

So if you want an excuse to get out and fancy being part of this unusual project then - please contact the artists directly at info@adeptprojects.co.uk, or call Shanaz Gulzar on 07816 526121 / Steve Manthorp on 07507 400489.

To select your walk visit the Meander website www.adeptprojects.co.uk.
This project is part of the SLOW ART movement being pioneered by Chrysalis Arts, a public arts company based in North Yorkshire.

Let us know if you take part – we’d love to hear your story and see your pics!

Eager dog walkers needed for St. Mungo's charity walk

We've received the following message from the lovely folks at St. Mungo's. Although they're not an animal charity, they are seeking dog walkers for their latest fundraising drive and asked us if we could help spread the word. Only too happy to do so! And in case you're wondering what Dogs Trust has to do with homelessness, do read more about our Hope Project.

The release is as follows:

Put on your walking shoes, switch off the World Cup coverage and hit the streets with your canine companion on Sunday 20 June to help St Mungo's support homeless people on their journey back into work.

To kick start its Action Week (20-27 June), St Mungo's is asking people to step up and take part in a five mile Action Week Walk.

The theme of this year's Action Week is Just the Job - supporting homeless people's journey back to work.

This is the charity's third annual sponsored walk but the first time it will head into the City of London. The walk starts and finishes at St John's Church in Waterloo, where St Mungo's homeless volunteers help tend the church gardens. The route then links in with other areas where St Mungo's provides homelessness services in Southwark, Lambeth and Westminster.

Last year more than 160 people joined in our Action Week Walk to support our campaign to improve the mental health of homeless people. Not only did we raise £15,000, but we also made the Government take action by including homeless people in their new strategy for improving mental health services to people in the UK.

This year the charity is hoping for 300 people to sign up and boost funds for its Pathways to Employment programme which supports activities, education, training and work opportunities for St Mungo's hostel residents.

Tanya English, Executive Director for Fundraising and Communications, said:

"Only 4% of our residents are currently working. Some of our clients have not worked in a decade, and others not at all.

"The money raised by generous supporters and donors on this year's walk will go towards supporting St Mungo's clients on their journey of recovery and into work. By taking part in this Action Week Walk, you are actively helping someone to walk away from their old life and towards a new one.

"It's also Father's Day so perhaps an opportunity to get dad away from the World Cup for a while to do something active in a worthy cause!"

How you can show your support for Action Week:

• Sign up for the St Mungo's 2010 Action Week Walk. Registration is £12 in advance or £15 on the day, under 16s (and dogs!) walk for free. A free T-shirt is provided, as well as a lunch pack when you finish, kindly donated by Pret a Manger

• Sponsor St Mungo's resident Jamie and his dog to do the walk

• Show your support by shopping at the St Mungo's online gift shop

• Find out more about St Mungo's Just the Job Action Week 2010, other events and ways to show your support.

London Mayor Boris Johnson asks City Hall to 'clean and green' London with Dogs Trust

Happy news for Dogs Trust and many other organisations in the capital today. The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, is recommending that his City Hall staff spend at least one day a year volunteering to help 'clean and green' London; Dogs Trust is one of the suggested organisations that staff could get involved with. We commented that:

"Dogs Trust is extremely pleased by the Mayor of London's recommendation. The charity works hard in the community promoting responsible dog ownership and welcomes the support from senior London officials."

Other organisations mentioned included the National Trust, Trees for Cities, the Environmental Trust, Enfield Conservation Volunteers and Spitalfields City Farm among others.

Ways you can help Dogs Trust:

Volunteers can do a variety of jobs for their local Rehoming Centre. City Hall employees can head to their nearest, West London's Harefield, to help out with the following, but remember there are 17 Centres across the UK:

* Fundraising Volunteer
* Dog Walker
* Dog Socialiser
* Pre-Adoption Home Visitor

We also have regular campaigns throughout the year that you can get involved in publicising, such as National Microchipping Month and the ever-necessary Poop Scoop Week.

Vote for the 21 Top Dog Walks in Britain for 2008

The Top 21 Dog Walks list is back, and open for nominations.

Some studies suggest that the life of an overweight dog is shortened by at least two years. In human terms, this would mean a life expectancy shortfall of 15 years. However, by simply choosing the correct diet and taking your pooch for twice-a-day walkies you can help reduce canine obesity and the risk of related conditions such as heart disease, arthritis, breathing difficulties and diabetes.

Tom Wright, chief executive of national tourism agency, VisitBritain says:

“Pet friendly holidays are increasingly in demand by the British public and are an ideal way to explore the fantastic rural landscapes that we are famous for. We hope that by finding the UK’s 21 top dog walks, it will inspire people to visit a new destination they haven’t explored before. Whether it’s woodland, beach, park, river or canal side, we want to know about it!”

Please visit www.21topdogwalks.co.uk to nominate your favourite walk or to see further details of the 2007 winning walks.

The deadline for nominations is 25th July 2008.

Dog Control Orders: what are they and what can you do about them?

You probably heard the phrase "a dog is for life, not just for Christmas" before you knew where it came from. Thirty years ago it was coined by a young PR officer called Clarissa Watson and since then the woman now known as Clarissa Baldwin has become Dogs Trust's Chief Executive and has driven the charity from strength to strength.

This week, in her own blog, she's been discussing certain concerning reports about Dog Control Orders. Many new or potential owners might not know much about these, so I thought it would be worth covering what these are before talking about what you should do if you disagree with your local authority's dog control measures.

Expanding and replacing Dog Byelaws in April 2006, Control Orders extend decision-making power to local authorities and parish councils. Where a Dog Control Order has not yet been made for a particular issue on the same land, the byelaw remains in effect. The Orders can cover the following issues:

1. Dog fouling
2. Restriction of dogs from certain land
3. Areas where dogs have to be kept on a lead
4. Areas where dogs have to be kept on a lead when instructed
5. Restrictions on multiple dog walking

Breach of a control order can attract a maximum fine of level 3 on that standard scale (currently £1000).

Alternatively, the opportunity to pay a fixed penalty may be offered in place of prosecution. Prior to a control order being made a period of local consultation and notices in local press is required.

On the surface, this doesn't seem necessarily problematic. Responsible dog owners will only let their dog off the lead where it is safe to do so, so that they can exhibit normal dog behaviour - a right enshrined in the Animal Welfare Act of 2006. Responsible dog owners will clean up their dog's mess and keep them under control at all times. Responsible dog owners, in other words, should not fall foul of Dog Control Orders.

However, the irresponsible few can prevail and lead to ever-more draconian Control Orders which might seek to prevent dogs ever being allowed off-lead in a public space, or banning them from certain areas altogether.

At this point, I must echo Clarissa's own words: "Strict Dog Control orders punish both dogs and owners for the sins of the irresponsible few. If you have any concerns about any measures being taken in your area, don’t forget to inform us. We have been instrumental in overturning such measures in the past but we can only do this if you let us know!"

Although our work at Dogs Trust centres on rescuing, rehoming and caring for dogs, we run extensive education programmes and campaign constantly for animal welfare, protesting the likes of the Dangerous Dogs Act and being instrumental in the addition of amendments to the Act. Our voices can be united with yours to put pressure on the Government for reform, but only if you tell us what you think.