Recently, I’ve groomed a couple of dogs who are being fostered due to their owners being unwell in hospital or in respite care. Both are have come about via The Cinnamon Trust (Registered Charity, No. 1134680).
The Cinnamon Trust is a charity based in Cornwall who have a nationwide network of volunteers to help the elderly and infirm with their pets; assisting with the animal's exercise or husbandry, trips to the vets (& dog groomers) or temporary foster care. They maintain a Pet Friendly Care Home Register which details care and retirement residences that accept pets and also have their own home sanctuaries if there are no other options.
Before I joined the realms of dog ownership, I volunteered
for them as a dog walker at the weekends. I walked a variety of breeds; German Shepherd, Greyhound
and Cocker Spaniels. Some were only for a short period of time but others continued for a number of years. I believe the owners were extremely grateful their dogs were being taken out, but also the chance for a chat with a different face each week.
I notice the Charity are looking for volunteers, although not specifically in the south east. If you, or know of a family member, friend or colleague who may be interested in volunteering, follow this link. It my be opportunities are not immediately available but good things come to those who wait!
NB - If you're wondering what's behind the Title; the Charity was named in memory of the founder's (Mrs Averil Jarvis) pet dog - Cinnamon and the Patrons are Virginia McKenna (an actor known for her role in Born Free) and Sir Paul McCartney (a member of the Beetles).
Last weekend, I was renewing my emergency dog first aid certificate. To help familiarise ourselves in finding the femoral artery, Chris the instructor for Dog First Aid Kent had brought along a willing volunteer, his rescue dog - Cody. In conversation, he mentioned the centre from where he’d obtained her from had said approx. 30% of dogs that pass thru Kent re-homing centres could be returned to their owners if microchip details were up-to-date. That is a staggering statistic.
Since 6th April 2016, it is a legal requirement for your dog to be microchipped however, the registered contact details could be that of the breeder, a previous owner, the rescue centre or of course there may not be a chip at all.
On collecting your dog, the microchip details should be provided but that may not always be the case. If you don’t know whether your dog has a microchip and / or the microchip number, a vet, dog warden or rescue centre would be happy to run a scanner over them.
If you don’t know which database the number is registered to – use the Check-a-chip website which should provide you with a contact number. I found the Government website to be very helpful too. It provides a list of the recognised databases that meet their criteria.
If you dog isn’t microchipped - The Dogs Trust offer a free service at their rehoming centres (excluding Basildon), although you may need to make an appointment.
In America, Thursday 15th August is being recognised as National Check the Chip Day. However, don’t wait until then, check the chip today !
PS - It is also a legal requirement for your dog, whilst in a public place, to wear a collar which must bear the owner’s name and address, via a tag if necessary.