Tees Life Tees Life issue 7 | Page 49

A DOG’S LIFE With Jennifer & Rudolph Jennifer and Rudolph investigate the region’s canine charitable organisations Our contribution to the autumn issue is to shine a light on just a few of the many charitable organisations rescuing and rehoming dogs across the Tees region − all run by volunteers with huge hearts. We really are a nation of dog lovers and the more like-minded fellows we meet on our jaunts, the more we realise how many kind-hearted, passionate people there are in our local area, giving their time to animals who have not been as fortunate as Rudolph and his chums… “If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you. This is the principle difference between a dog and man.” – Mark Twain MAXI’S MATES – RESCUE AND REHOMING CARLIN HOWE FARM, REDCAR ROAD, DUNSDALE, TS14 6RG T: 07507 104636 W: MAXISMATES.ORG.UK After opening in January 2016, Maxi’s Mates have made a huge difference to dogs in need in the Redcar, Cleveland and Hambledon areas. Their mission is to give all stray dogs another chance and to find them a suitable home, no matter how long it takes. Maxi’s Mates also facilitate the rehoming of Romanian street dogs. SARA SALTBURN ANIMAL RESCUE ASSOCIATION FOX RUSH FARM, KIRKLEATHAM LANE, REDCAR, TS10 5NJ T: 01642 488108 W: S-A-R-A.ORG.UK/ A rehoming centre where much thought has gone into building facilities to allow abandoned dogs and cats to have safe, pleasant surroundings. With help from generous donations, the rescue centre comprises 17 kennels and the same number of cattery pens, as well as a custom-built "lounge" for dogs to relax and a sensory garden for them to stimulate their senses! SAVE OUR STRAYS NORTH EAST RESCUE T: 01642 488667 W: SAVEOURSTRAYS.ORG.UK This small but powerful charity take unwanted dogs from local dog pounds and provide them with foster carers until a new and suitable permanent home can be found. More than 1,400 dogs have been successfully rehomed this way. Could you provide a doggy foster home? GRACE GREYHOUND RESCUE AND CO-ORDINATED EMERGENCIES T: 07840 771583 W: GRACEGREYHOUNDRESCUE.CO.UK Another small but mighty charity rehoming retired greyhounds after a life on the tracks and finding them forever homes. You can help by transporting dogs, fostering, rehoming or getting involved with fundraising. We mustn’t forget the work carried out by our larger local RSPCA centres and the Dogs Trust, based at Sadberge, near Darlingon. Rudolph particularly enjoys the Christmas Fair at the Dogs Trust where there are lots of goodies to be had. The highlight of the day is, of course, a selfie with Santa! We will leave you with this quote to ponder: “If you don’t own a dog, there is not necessarily anything wrong with you, but there may be something wrong with your life” – Roger A. Caras tees-life.co.uk 49