July 2023
Welcome to the July Blog. This month is dedicated to Almost Home Dog Rescue. Every rescue centre all over the country is facing a massive challenge from the fallout of the pandemic following a huge demand for dogs, combined with the cost-of-living crisis where many owners can no longer afford to keep them. Rescues have been bracing themselves for a huge surge of people giving up their dogs. As we all return to work post-pandemic, that cute little puppy has now turned into a juvenile delinquent destroying everything! (Which is quite normal). Dogs are not born ready trained and numerous owners have found that they do not have the skills to manage their behaviour, so they chose to surrender to a rescue. Selling websites are also filling up with adverts for dogs to be resold as they cannot cope (more about this in a future blog).
All About Rescue
Set in the Clwydian Range in North Wales, Almost Home Rescue was founded in 2016 and is run by a dedicated and passionate team - Dave, Alex, Lauren and Tara who runs the charity shop in Buckley, Flintshire. They also have an amazing team of emergency fosterers and volunteer dog walkers.
Team Justice for Reggie had the pleasure of visiting Lauren and Alex at Almost Home recently. Trained behaviourists with certificates proudly on display, the team provide a safe haven for abandoned dogs, rehome them and educate the next generation of dog owners. They have rescued and rehomed over a thousand dogs in their care. Their aim is to rescue, rehabilitate & rehome greyhounds who have been used, abused & carelessly dumped by the greyhound industry. Greyhounds tend to be an overlooked breed but are very gentle quiet and laid-back. Lots of press articles & undercover investigations have exposed the immense cruelty into greyhound racing. Almost Home also take in other breeds from three dog pounds – many are available for adoption on their website.
Almost Home is available for adult educational talks on finding the perfect match for your lifestyle as well as raising awareness on the plight of the greyhound. Fun talks for children on dog safety is also available. They maintain good relationships with the owners for as long as needed and provide a lifetime of support for all adopted dogs. A good dog rescue will always be there for their dogs for the rest of their lives.
Dave has been involved in rescue for 40 years and recently completed an Iron Man challenge to raise £1,000 that would cover 10 days of veterinary fees. However astonishingly, he has exceeded all expectations achieving a whopping £6,500! Big congratulations to Dave!
During a quiet month, veterinary bills can reach £10,000 and the amazing team are working tirelessly around the clock to raise much needed funds with running the shop, organising events, shows and fetes. Any donations are always gratefully received.
Residents of Almost Home
Whilst at the rescue, we met Mac a beautiful 2-year-old black Labrador who had just been brought in. He was purchased from Ireland, microchipped but not registered. The owners could not look after him and gave him away after a short time. He was neglected, never seeing the light of day but was soon to settle with treats and cuddles while waiting for his fosterer to collect him. His loving personality is already shining through and following assessment, he is now ready for adoption.
Mac
Next is Jett the Whippet. He is around 3 years old and was brought in from the dog pound as a stray. He was covered in scars and open wounds, with broken toes and very skinny. He has such a sweet and loving nature and still trusts humans despite all he has been through. He is also available for adoption and will be neutered as soon as he is strong enough.
Jett
The longest resident is a collie named King Arthur who was abused and neglected by his previous owner. As a result, he has severe trust issues and sadly, can never be rehomed. Nonetheless he has formed a deep bond with the team and is clearly enjoying life at Almost Home!
King Arthur
Meet lurchers Percy and Wiggles. They have found their forever home and looking forwards to their new life with their new owners.
Percy and Wiggles
Fundraising
There are some events and fairs coming up in Caerwys and Llanferres – both situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in North Wales:
Almost Home Summer Fair on Sunday 23rd July at 10:30 – 3pm at Llanfereres Village Hall, Mold CH7 5SP. There are lots of stalls and a café. All proceeds will go to the Almost Home Dog Rescue residents
Almost Home are proud to host ‘Doing it for the Dogs Day’ Dog Show on Sunday 27th August at 10:30 at Ty Ucha Farm, Caerwys, Mold, CH7 5BQ. Dogs are always welcome of course!
The huge demand for pets during the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis has created the perfect storm for the increase in abandoned, neglected and unwanted dogs. All rescues are at their wit’s end and many dogs in rescue have reached capacity. We hear of desperate pleas for homes across the UK. Please consider adoption if possible and give a beautiful dog a forever home. We all want them to have a happier future as they have already been through so much. Thank you for your support.
‘I’ve got so much love and devotion to give, that I should be given a new chance to live
So dear god please answer my prayer and send me somebody who will really care’
~ Author unknown ~
Email: info@almosthome.dog
Phone: 07801479376