I’ve been lucky enough to be put in some great places because of my blog (and some bad ones – like being forced to try blended fish gazpacho in front of the guy who made it). Taking my Mum to the ITVbe launch party was one of my favourites. She met Peter Andre and I strongly believe at that time, she lost the ability to function as a person.

As no stranger to the nicer side of being a blogger, I was still absolutely over the moon when I got an invitation to spend some time at the Basildon Dogs Trust. I remember when it opened, and I’ve passed it many a time, but I must admit my knowledge of what it’s for and what goes on is limited to the fact there are dogs in there and the local boot sale had to move. As you can imagine, in Basildon that caused quite the furor.

I know of the good work the Dogs Trust bro because my friend adopted a Dog from them, but really and truly I didn’t know what to expect when I rocked up in my casual clothes.

The Facilities

In my old age, I have become quite the snob. I like a hotel with a spa, a comfy bed and potentially a robe (before you judge I lived in a tent for six months when I worked for Keycamp – I’ve paid my dues). The only way I can describe the amazing facilities at the Basildon Dogs Trust, is by saying if I were a dog, I’d stay there. Cue sarcastic comments along the lines of me being a dog.

The first thing you notice when you rock up, is how small the offices are. Sorry humans, this is all about the dogs! There is a really big purpose built training room, which gives enough space for two of our fluffy friends to have a structured training session. Some of the dogs that come in are put on a weight management plan (luckily they left me be), to keep them healthy for when they find their new homes. As well as a full time, in house vet, the Basildon Dogs Trust also boasts a hydropool. Yes that’s right doggies, this site has got a pool. There really isn’t anything missing for keeping these pooches pampered in their little life interim. But let’s face it, the thought of them being in there, day in, day out, isn’t a nice one.

So what can you do top help?

Rehoming

This is the main way you can help Dogs Trust. Finding their special someone is the ultimate goal for any dog in the care of Dogs Trust. Adopting a dog can be a daunting task, but the dogs trust will guide you every step of the way. Not only will you have the opportunity to continue the training your new friend has been doing with Dogs Trust, but you can also use their vet. All of the dogs that are rehomed by Dogs Trust have a full medical when they arrive, so you won’t be expecting any nasty surprises like worms or fleas

Tag

When are pirates not pirates? When they are LurchARRRRRRRGH’s. I made that up myself. Tag was great, and I could of took him home in a second if I was able to.

“Hi, my name is Tag, I am a happy chappie who enjoys going for walks, I do have lots of energy to burn off. Please don’t over handle me as I am a little worried at first, but if you have some yummy treats, I am sure you can win me round. I like learning new things, so could enjoy some training classes. If you can give me the time, excercise and fun I need, please speak to one of my friends here to find out more about me” – Dogs Trust Website.

Abbey

Abbey is an Akita, which is Japanese for ‘large ball of fluff’ (ok, I made that up). She is looking for her special someone, and I cannot believe she hasn’t found one yet! how much do you want to get in with her and spoon?

 

 

Home from home

It’s a lot to take on to adopt a dog full time. Especially if you have children, or other

animals. I’d love a dog, but with being at work and away so much it just wouldn’t be fair. At the dogs trust, they completely get this. As lovely as the facilities are, let’s face it, all doggies want is a warm and loving home.

This is why the dogs trust offer the ‘home from home’ scheme. If you can’t dedicate enough time for a permanent pooch, you can give one a cosy little holiday with you. It may seem a bit counter productive to hand them back, but some dogs find kennel life challenging after being in a home environment, so a little break from it for a few days does them the world of good.

In a recent press release, Sarah Rowe, Home From Home Co-ordinator at Dogs Trust Basildon, said:

“Spending time with a dog won’t cure all your problems but it could certainly make you happier so we hope people will consider fostering a dog as a positive resolution for the new year. We have thousands of dogs of all shapes and sizes across our 20 rehoming centres in the UK looking for temporary carers varying from older dogs who need some extra TLC, litters of puppies, dogs recovering from illness and those who simply cope better in a home environment.  

“Dogs Trust cover all fees and foster carers can go on to adopt their foster dog permanently should they wish. The average stay for a dog in a foster home is three to four weeks, although some dogs can be fostered up to eight months and some for just a short time.”

Donate

I  simply cannot have a dog. One of my cats, Albert is really laid back (to the point where we are actually investigating whether he is a cushion with legs or not), but the other one, Lily Allen, is horrific. There’s no doubt in my mind, that even if we got a German shepherd, she would bully it. So this kind of leaves no option for home, or permanent adoption.

I can appreciate there are a lot of people out there with similarly horrific cats, so the best option is to donate. The dogs trust heavily rely on donations, and without them, there is no way they could provide all of the care they do. They are really open and friendly, so if you were thinking of donating, and you wanted to know what exactly your money was being spent on, I’d suggest calling ahead to your local centre, and having a look round. Obviously, you can’t take the dogs home.

Sweet Success

As previously mentioned, I know first hand how successful rehoming from the dogs trust can be. A couple of years back, my friend Em and her family adopted Red. Not only did they provide him with a warm, loving home, but also the family and companionship every dog craves. He is now a central part of the family, and the star of her Instagram, and he even took the addition of a new baby into the family in his stride. Red settled in straight away, and he actually had a little bit of a past as a superstar. Red was one of the dogs used in a feature on ‘This Morning’, so no wonder he is such a natural in front of the camera.

The Dogs Trust – Quick Facts

–          Dogs Trust Basildon rehomed almost 1000 dogs last year.

   –          The rehoming centre has up to 100 dogs at one time, with on site Training and Behaviour Advisors – when you rehome a dog with us the charity, you can have support and advice for life with Dogs Trust experts.

– The centre also has 26 Canine Carers to work alongside the dogs, as well as an Education Officer to educate the community, including schools, on the responsibilities of dog ownership and offering programmes and support for those with managing their fear of dogs. Dogs Trust also has a team of Adoption Advisors to work with people to find the right dog that suits their lifestyle and living arrangements.

–          Dogs Trust Basildon also has a veterinary suite to give medical checks and any needed procedures to its residents, plus an on-site hydrotherapist (and hydrotherapy tank) for those with joint issues, if newcomers are overweight, or if they are finding kennel life stressful.

–          Dogs Trust’s ‘Home from Home’ foster scheme is encouraging people in Essex to become foster carers – ideal if you don’t want to financial or full-time commitment of owning a dog. 

–          The Basildon rehoming centre on Nevendon roundabout has been open for almost three years.

–          For anyone who is interested in finding their special someone, they can contact; Dogs Trust Basildon on 0300 303 0292 or visit www.dogstrust.org.uk. The rehoming centre operates both a drop-in and appointment service and opens its doors to the public between 12-8pm every day Monday-Friday and 10am-4pm on the weekend.

–          Dogs Trust is the UK’s leading dog welfare charity and has a network of 20 Rehoming Centres in the UK and one in Dublin. The charity cares for over 15,000 stray, unwanted and abandoned dogs each year.

–          Dogs Trust has a non-destruction policy, and will never put a healthy dog to sleep. The charity is working towards the day when all dogs can enjoy a happy life, free from the threat of unnecessary destruction.