Lancashire German Shepherd Rescue, based in Preston, has benefited from the Kennel Club Charitable Trust’s (KCCT) recently launched emergency fund, and is continuing its work with rescue dogs despite the Covid-19 pandemic.
The organisation rescues and rehabilitates German Shepherd Dogs which have been abandoned or given up by their owners, ensuring they receive necessary vet care and support before finding them a new forever home. The rescue saved over 40 dogs last year, working closely with each rescue dog and hand-picking their new owners to ensure they understand the breed’s needs and characteristics.
One of their recent rescue cases was four-year-old Shadow, whose owner became ill and had to give her up. Shadow came to the rescue with weight problems and an abundance of food has also had negative effect on her teeth.
Ted Kewley, director at Lancashire German Shepherd Rescue, said: “The generous donation from the Kennel Club Charitable Trust will help us get Shadow’s teeth sorted and care for her before we can find her a wonderful new home.”
Shadow is one of many dogs that the rescue is currently taking care of, as the pandemic put the rehoming process on hold. As a small rescue, the organisation depends on donations and have been left without an important source of income as fundraising events stopped with the pandemic.
“We are very grateful for the donation from the Kennel Club Charitable Trust as different funding opportunities fell through,” continued Ted. “This funding helps us cover veterinary and food fees for dogs currently in our care, before we can find them a loving forever home.”
The KCCT Emergency Relief Initiative, which was established in April, was set up to support canine organisations which may be suffering and unable to continue their vital work, which makes a huge difference to dogs, as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. All of the applications were considered carefully and funding was allocated to 30 organisations in the most urgent situation.
Other recipients of funds from the KCCT include breed rescue organisations such as the Northern Ireland Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club and Greyhound Rescue, as well as other general smaller dog rescue organisations, such as Friends of Animals Wales - the charity from which Boris Johnson rehomed Dilyn, the Jack Russell Terrier.
Revd. Bill King, Chairman of the Kennel Club Charitable Trust said: “We received a significant number of applications for our emergency funding and had to make some very hard decisions on where funds need to be placed as a matter of urgency.
“Keeping these organisations, which take care of the health, welfare and future of dogs from all breeds and backgrounds, functional is a priority for the Kennel Club Charitable Trust. We know that most of smaller organisations depend on funding to keep up their excellent work that save dogs’ lives and want to ensure they can continue despite the pandemic.
“We are also grateful for Our Dogs newspaper’s help with our appeal which helped to grow awareness about our fund amongst their readers who have so far donated over £40,000.”
To donate online to the KCCT relief fund and help dogs, volunteers and organisations across the country during this difficult time, visit the Virgin Money Giving website. Alternatively, you can make a donation by text. Simply text ‘KCCT [amount]’ to 70450 to donate the desired amount. For example, if you wish to donate £30, simply text ‘KCCT 30’ to 70450. You will be charged your donation plus one standard rate message and you’ll be opting in to hear more about the work of the KCCT and fundraising via telephone and SMS. If you’d like to make a donation but do not wish to receive marketing communications, text ‘KCCTNOINFO [amount]’ to 70450.