PETS
Meet the Founder
CHRISTINA KIDDELL
Founder , TAG Pet Rescue
WE CAUGHT UP WITH CHRISTINA KIDDELL , FOUNDER AND TRUSTEE OF MARGATE ’ S TAG PET RESCUE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THEIR MISSION TO CARE FOR AND REHOME AS MANY ANIMALS AS THEY CAN . THEY DON ’ T RECEIVE GOVERNMENT FUNDING AND RELY SOLELY ON DONATIONS , INCOME FROM THEIR SHOPS AND THE TIRELESS WORK OF VOLUNTEERS TO KEEP THE CENTRE GOING – IT ’ S A TRUE LABOUR OF LOVE !
Why did you help found TAG Pet Rescue ?
In 1988 , a neighbour had two cats who had litters of kittens . I asked for help rehoming the litter from a local lady , Debbie Channing , who had just started a group called the Thanet Animal Group . I realised there was a great need for this service so I volunteered to be a part of the group . It quickly became a fulltime commitment and an enjoyable lifelong dedication . For many years the rescue was based in our homes and gardens until it became overwhelming and we knew we had to find some land to build a sanctuary . We were very lucky to get a legacy of £ 11,000 , which built the foundations of the sanctuary and we have continued to grow and go from strength to strength .
What is it like running an animal rescue ?
Stressful but rewarding . Stressful because sadly we cannot help them all , but we always try our utmost to do our best by every animal . I always try to focus on the positives and the animals ’ lives that have been transformed with TAG ’ s help .
Tell us about the day-to-day operations of the rescue
The day starts early ! Breakfasts are demanded promptly ; cats shout and rabbits flip bowls . Once the breakfasts are served , the volunteers start arriving .
Cleaning starts at about 7.30am and is finished around 12pm . The afternoons are devoted to vet visits , home visits , and appointments for members of the public to meet animals after they have passed their home visit . In between all of this we respond to phone calls , emails and social media . The day goes by in a flash .
What are some of the most heartwarming forever home stories you ’ ve seen running TAG Pet Rescue ?
River and Rain were our longest stay rabbits and were at the sanctuary for three-and-a-half years . They were very nervous rabbits and not keen on people . They found a wonderful home with understanding people who built them a lovely big set up . They ’ ve now gained so much confidence and love a fuss .
Grace , a four-year-old English bull terrier / Staffy was cared for in some lovely foster homes but waited for over 18 months for a forever home as she kept being overlooked . She finally found a wonderful family and now even goes on holiday .
What would you like people to know about rescue animals ?
You need patience , kindness and understanding . All animals are assessed individually – some will thrive in a family home , others need a quiet life to feel comfortable . Adopting a rescue animal is a wonderful , rewarding experience but it can present challenges and it ’ s so important to give the animal time to settle and adapt to their new home . Some animals settle very quickly , others take months , even years to feel fully confident and happy . No one can predict the future and circumstances can change unexpectedly so we have a lifetime rescue back up for all animals adopted from TAG .
How can people help support TAG ?
There are many ways to support us but our three support shops are vital to TAG , as they are the main source of income . Donating good quality goods and shopping in our shops is an excellent way to support TAG along with regular financial or one-off donations . Leaving us a legacy , food donations , purchasing something from our Amazon wishlist and volunteering in our shops or at the sanctuary are all ways you can help .
To get in contact with TAG Pet Rescue , please email tagpet @ btinternet . com , phone 01843 822931 , or visit their website at www . tagpetrescue . org . uk .
124