This article is from page 35 of the 2012-11-27 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 35 JPG
A GROUP of volounteers behind an animal shelter in Clare who feared closure earlier this month are planning to spend the night on the footsteps of Ennis Courthouse next month.
‘Out with the Dogs’ will see members of Paw Pourri and Bernese Mountain Dog Rescue leave their warm homes for the steps of Ennis Courthouse on December 16.
The aim of the sleep-out is to raise awareness and funds for the two charities.
According to Hillary Killowry of Bernese Mountain Dog Rescue, “Even in recessionary times, we have to be mindful of animal welfare. We want this night to highlight the plight of unwanted animals in Clare and the rescue and rehabilitation of Bernese Dogs.”
Hillary added, “If every home in Clare that has a pet gives us one can of food on that night, that will go a long way to alleviating the huge food bills that we are faced with.”
Paw Pourri Animal Rescue and Shelter rescues and re-homes abandoned dogs and cats. All animals remain with the centre until new homes can be found.
The shelter has launched a Christmas appeal aimed at attracting more donations, volunteers and much needed fosterers.
Earlier this month, the shelter said it was struggling to maintain its service because of a lack of volunteers and funds.
However, Catriona Lowry of Paw Pourri has stated that the local com- munity had responded well to the appeal.
The shelter is also seeking more volunteers to help keep the shop open, along with urgently needed fosterers to give a home to some of the animals at the shelter.
The amount of animals in Clare that need shelter and rescue continues to grow, according to Paw Pourri.
Their Christmas Wish List is made up of everything from dog and cat food as the weekly bill for feeding the animals runs into hundreds of euros.
People of Clare can get behind the ‘Out with the Dogs’ fundraiser by supporting those with official sponsorship cards. People can also drop by on the night and meet Molly, Clare’s famous Bernese Dog, whose sibling now resides in Arás an Uachtarán.
Molly works hard as a therapy dog with the elderly, children with autism and those with special needs in Clare.
People can also donate online on www.pawpourri.net