This month local charity, Bath Cats and Dogs Home, launch its Keeping Mum Spring Appeal which aims to raise £10,000 towards funding their welfare work to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home cats and dogs across Bath and North-East Somerset and west Wiltshire.
Last year, the Home cared for 17 female rescue dogs who arrived as strays, either heavily pregnant or showing signs of recently giving birth, and the number of dogs being abandoned after breeding is expected to rise in 2023.
The cost-of-living crisis meant that 2022 saw the highest number of cats and dogs arriving at Bath Cats and Dogs Home needing support and care since 2019 with an intake of 788 animals. This included a rapid increase in pregnant and post-breeding female dogs. Overall, the Home saw a shocking 121% increase in abandoned animals in the last year.
Helpless animals, like Pandora, arrive at the Home desperately needing urgent care and the animal behaviour team often work for months to slowly win back the trust of a female dog that has been through a challenging breeding experience. To read about their stories look for ‘spring appeal’ at www.bathcatsanddogshome.org.uk/how-you-can-help/
Pandora, arrived at the Home as a stray in October 2022 and it is not known how long she had been alone, but it is believed to be a considerable amount of time. On arrival, our team suspected she might be expecting, but a scan at the vet suite confirmed that she was heavily pregnant and due any day. The team sprang into action to ensure she was settled in the state-of-the-art birthing suite in the Home’s puppy kennel, and everyone anxiously awaited the big day.
Under the watchful eyes of the animal care team, Pandora gave birth to an incredible 10 healthy puppies in November and over the next few days, both mum and puppies required round-the-clock care. Staff all took turns checking in on the pups, anxious to see that they were doing well. The veterinary team made sure Pandora had the rest and relaxation she needed to recover from her busy night while monitoring the puppies to ensure they were growing strong.
Rachel Jones, Chief Executive at Bath Cats and Dogs Home, said, “Dogs like Pandora really need our help to recover from their ordeals as strays and we are committed to being there for them when they need us most. Their breeding stories are just a few examples of the life-changing support we provide to hundreds of animals each year.
“The year ahead is set to be a challenging one for the Home as we expect more stray and abandoned animals to arrive who have been left to fend for themselves. Every animal deserves a happy ending and each step in their care journey relies on donations from the local community so your support for our appeal as an individual supporter or a corporate partner is hugely appreciated.”
Funds from this appeal will help give these dogs a safe space to recover and relax, vital medical treatments, and allow the animal behaviour team to work closely with them to get them ready for their forever homes. Typically, £10 would fund puppy essentials like specialised food or toys, £35 for first vaccinations or £100 could pay for an ultrasound scan to confirm pregnancy and help plan for any puppies.
To support the Keeping Mum Spring Appeal, visit www.bathcatsanddogshome.org.uk/how-you-can-help/spring-appeal