Our beginning
A few years back my old yorkie Ben died, I decided then if I was to get another dog, it would be a rescue. I contacted local rescues but to no avail, so I ended up homing little Oscar 1 who was advertised in a local shop. Several months later I received a telephone call from a lovely lady who then ran a local rescue - could I possibly take in two yorkies who were in the local stray kennels and were to be put to sleep the next morning. How could I refuse, she duly turned up the next day with two of the dearest little dogs you could wish to meet.A few weeks of tlc, and the two boys were ready to go to their new homes, Rudy, the youngster, went to live with friends of mine, Ben, a little old lad, was homed by a lovely elderly lady as her sole companion.
I initially got involved with fund raising for the rescue, however a couple of visits to the stray pound and meeting the dogs there, left me with no option but to do everything I could to help them so the decision to set up Hereford and Worcester Animal Rescue was made.
Volunteers
At first, I worked by myself, I spent many hours out at the kennels and with the help of the Dog Wardens in assessing the dogs temperaments we would find new homes for the strays. My circle of friends mostly all became foster homes and subsequently dog owners.Local advertising found homes for the dogs and luckily volunteers offering help and support.
With the help of Dawn (a godsend) we gradually built up a network of foster homes, and a committee was formed to handle the day to day running of the rescue.I would say we have the best group of volunteers any charity could wish for. All lead busy lives, most work, some have families, yet still they give up their free time to help the dogs in our care.
Today
After years of renting kennel space, a couple of years ago we were lucky enough to be donated the use of a derelict stable block to convert to our own kennels. We had received a legacy of £10,000 so what better use for the money than to use it to convert the block to comfortable kennels for the dogs. We employed builders for the 'building work' but we are forever grateful for the work put in by volunteers who spent many hours cleaning, painting, etc.etc. our special thanks to Tony who sorted out the electrics and whats more gave a home to Barney at the same time too!!!!!!
So here we are today, still working alongside Herefordshire Council to give the stray and abandoned dogs of the county a second chance. Its not easy, the overheads for the kennels are high, electricity has been a killer this year. Our vets bills are horrendous, in no way is that a complaint against our vets, Brookfield have been absolutely brilliant with their help and support. The sad fact is sick dogs cost money and the credit crunch has seen more and more poorly dogs put out on the street
Our rescue is totally self funding, we rely entirely on public donations and money raised from our various fund raising events so please come along and support us, without you we can't continue.
Education
We take an active role in helping to educate youngsters about responsible animal ownership. We regularly visit and give talks to schools, youth groups etc - please contact us if you would like to arrange a visit.
In addition we offer opportunities for work experience for schools and colleges, the students who come to work with us are treated as valued team members. Many when they have finished their work experience come back regularly to help with the dogs.
