Nature Features

Jack Russell

Rosedene Rescue Centre in Rushall, Walsall has rescued and re-homed thousands of stray dogs over the last 35 years.

In April 2008 the police authorities called time on their animal rescue service, meaning that dog catchers and the public would bring strays directly to rescue centres rather than police stations.

Now in the run-up to Christmas, traditionally the centre's most hectic period, Rosedene is already full and is urgent need of help.

"We have about 60 strays on site now – our limit," says Vivienne who has worked at Rosedene for the last 12 months.

Vivienne at work

"We're extremely busy and our policy is to never put a dog down unless its seriously ill, old or a threat. The Credit Crunch may well be contributing to this.

"You see a pattern emerging. Every year in November and December time we get older dogs being handed in. People it seems have had enough of them. Come January and February, it's puppies; unwanted Christmas gifts. We're absolutely full now and it's a strain to cope."

Rosedene is privately owned and therefore does not benefit from charity funding. Instead, the centre relies solely on donations and help from volunteers in the public.

Needs a home

"We are absolutely desperate for dog walkers," says Vivienne. "We do have more on weekends naturally but overall we walkers at all times. We welcome anything people are kind enough to give – blankets, dog food, toys. It really does help so much."

Rosedene accepts stray dogs from the Dudley and Sandwell boroughs and the majority are bought in courtesy of dog catchers.

The worst part of her job though, says Vivienne, is dealing with the conditions some of the animals are in when they arrive:

12 weeks old

"Some of the dogs of course arrive in a terrible state. The most common one really is malnourishment; dogs looking incredibly thin. We had one brought in who couldn't walk properly due to what were cigarette burns on his feet. Another with no teeth – he'd been hit in the face with a shovel. It's the worst part of the job – people's neglect.

"It's the excuses people make that really anger you too. I had a call just last week from a woman saying she was bringing her dog to us because she was allergic to it. Yet she'd had the dog for ten years.

"Sometimes too people just don't want to find their stray. We had a dog bought in that was micro-chipped so we managed to trace the owner. We phoned him to say we'd found his dog and he said he'd come to pick it up. He didn't. After repeated calls back we were told that we'd got the wrong number and the dog stayed with us."

Walkies

All dogs brought in are examined by vets and given treatment if necessary. If no-one has come forward to claim them within two weeks they are available for rehousing.

"With Christmas approaching we know it's going to be really busy – but we are already full. We are desperate for volunteers and for help. Please come and see us if you're interested."

Rosedene Animal Rescue Centre is located on Radley Road off Winterley Lane, Walsall and is open between 11am and 4pm Monday - Saturday and 11.30am and 3pm on Sunday.

Click the link below to see some photo's of the current residents!