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Help for the helpless Charity Reference No: XR24248 ISSUE 57 AUGUST 2011 We are excited to announce that Assisi has opened a Charity Shop in Ballynahinch. The shop which is located at 6 High Street sells clothing, shoes, handbags, jewellery, bric-a-brac, books, CD’s, DVD’s and furniture. The Manager of the shop is Jim Allen who is well known in the local community. Why not call in and view the shop and say hello to Jim and his team of volunteers and don’t forget to mention that you are an Assisi supporter - he will be delighted to meet you. As well as shopping in our new Charity Shop, we would welcome donations of the items mentioned. You can leave donations at the shop in Ballynahinch which is open Monday to Saturday or at the Sanctuary in Conlig. The Assisi shop has been open for business since 6 June and Jim says “the Ballynahinch people are excited that Assisi has opened its first shop in Ballynahinch. The shop has now a large following of existing customers and lots of new ones. I would like to thank all my customers for their loyalty to me and I am looking forward to a bright future. I would also like to thank the volunteers for their hard work and to Assisi for taking on this new venture” . A FIRST FOR ASSISI 1 SADNESS OF CAT/KITTEN CRUELTY cruelty to cats/kittens. If you know of or suspect any abuse or cruelty to cats/kittens, please contact the PSNI, USPCA, Assisi or Cats Protection. The rescued kitten is now at the Sanctuary & is doing well. He is black, is 4-5 weeks old & is called Mischa & he is very affectionate. We are holding a Charity Fire walk on Friday 9 September. If you fancy a challenge, contact the Sanctuary & give us your details so that we know you are taking part and can send you a sponsorship pack or you can download the poster & sponsor form from our website - www.assisi-ni.org. Write your name in the top right corner of the poster & display it wherever you can! If you prefer a more leisurely Friday night you can come along & support all the firewalkers. There will be supper & entertainment. Tickets are £10 and can be purchased from any of the firewalkers or from the Sanctuary. To date we have 20 fire walkers who have signed up but we have room for more. The Sanctuary Manager, Heather Oliver, together with staff members - Sinead, Jenna and Helen are going to be stepping on “Hot Coals” to raise money to help “Save the Life of a Dog”. Heather explains, “I am taking part in the Assisi Charity Fire walk and hope to raise £400 or more to save 20 dogs from destruction. As well as being a worthy cause, it will be a great night with food & entertainment, along with lots of hot feet.” “If you would like to sponsor me or any of the staff, please call at the Sanctuary for a chat & meet the animals. I will be delighted to meet you and every pound donated will make a real difference.” You can also sponsor Heather on-line, by visiting the Just Giving site - http://www.justgiving.com/ Heather-Oliver . SAVE THE LIFE OF A DOG FIRE WALK FOR ASSISI Friday 9 September HARLEQUINNS RUGBY CLUB, DERAMORE AVENUE, BELFAST Do you fancy a challenge? Are you brave or daring..? OPENING OF BALLYNAHINCH CHARITY SHOP Staff member, Sinead went back with the children to the area where they found the kitten & discovered a tied plastic bag with a dead suffocated mummy cat & her two babies, hanging from a tree. Unfortunately, this is not an isolated case, just the latest in a catalogue of neglect & abuse. You may remember the story of Kim in January. Rescue centres regularly get reports of snares set to maim or kill, cats being shot with pellet guns, set upon by dogs, poisoned - the list goes on & unfortunately a lot of the incidents of actual cruelty are committed by children. Education is our way forward. With extra funds we could set up a structured education system to go into schools and youth groups to educate children. There is little assistance available to help stop As an animal sanctuary we deal with all sorts of cruelty to animals. Late on Sunday, 10 July, some children brought a small kitten to a staff member’s home. They had found the kitten in a bag at the side of the road, in the Lagmore area of Lisburn. mischa
Transcript

Help for the helplessCharity Reference No: XR24248

Issue 57 • AuGusT 2011

We are excited to announce that Assisi has opened a Charity Shop in Ballynahinch. The shop which is located at 6 High Street sells clothing, shoes, handbags, jewellery, bric-a-brac, books, CD’s, DVD’s and furniture.

The Manager of the shop is Jim Allen who is well known in the local community. Why not call in and view the shop and say hello to Jim and his team of volunteers and don’t forget to mention that you are an Assisi supporter - he will be delighted to meet you.

As well as shopping in our new Charity Shop, we would welcome donations of the items mentioned. You can leave donations at the shop in Ballynahinch which is open Monday to Saturday or at the Sanctuary in Conlig.

The Assisi shop has been open for business since 6 June and Jim says “the Ballynahinch people are excited that Assisi has opened its first shop in Ballynahinch. The shop has now a large following of existing customers and lots of new ones. I would like to thank all my customers for their loyalty to me and I am looking forward to a bright future. I would also like to thank the volunteers for their hard work and to Assisi for taking on this new venture”.

A first for Assisi

1

sAdness of CAt/Kitten Crueltycruelty to cats/kittens. If you know of or suspect any abuse or cruelty to cats/kittens, please contact the PSNI, USPCA, Assisi or Cats Protection.

The rescued kitten is now at the Sanctuary & is doing well. He is black, is 4-5 weeks old & is called Mischa & he is very affectionate.

We are holding a Charity Fire walk on Friday 9 September. If you fancy a challenge, contact the Sanctuary & give us your details so that we know you are taking part and can send you a sponsorship pack or you can download the poster & sponsor form from our website - www.assisi-ni.org. Write your name in the top right corner of the poster & display it wherever you can!

If you prefer a more leisurely Friday night you can come along & support all the firewalkers. There will be supper & entertainment. Tickets are £10 and can be purchased from any of the firewalkers or from the Sanctuary.

To date we have 20 fire walkers who have signed up but we have room for more. The Sanctuary Manager, Heather Oliver, together with staff members - Sinead, Jenna and Helen are going to be stepping on “Hot Coals” to raise money to help “Save the Life of a Dog”.

Heather explains, “I am taking part in the Assisi Charity Fire walk and hope to raise £400 or more

to save 20 dogs from destruction. As well as being a worthy cause, it will be a great night with food & entertainment, along with lots of hot feet.”

“If you would like to sponsor me or any of the staff, please call at the Sanctuary for a chat & meet the animals. I will be delighted to meet you and every pound donated will make a real difference.”

You can also sponsor Heather on-line, by visiting the Just Giving site - http://www.justgiving.com/Heather-Oliver.

sAve the life of A dogfire wAlK for Assisi

Friday 9 September Harlequinns rugby Club,

Deramore avenue, belfast

Do you fancy a challenge? Are you brave or daring..?

opening of BAllynAhinCh ChArity shop

Staff member, Sinead went back with the children to the area where they found the kitten & discovered a tied plastic bag with a dead suffocated mummy cat & her two babies, hanging from a tree.

Unfortunately, this is not an isolated case, just the latest in a catalogue of neglect & abuse. You may remember the story of Kim in January. Rescue

centres regularly get reports of snares set to maim or kill, cats being shot with pellet guns, set upon by dogs, poisoned - the list goes on & unfortunately a lot of the incidents of actual cruelty are committed by children. Education is our way forward. With extra funds we could set up a structured education system to go into schools and youth groups to educate children. There is little assistance available to help stop

As an animal sanctuary we deal with all sorts of cruelty to animals.

Late on Sunday, 10 July, some children brought a small kitten to a staff member’s home. They had found the kitten in a bag at the side of the road, in the Lagmore area of Lisburn.

mischa

Welcome to our August edition of PawPrints

The Spring Open Day & Coffee Morning at the Sanctuary on Saturday 14 May was, despite the dreadful weather, a very successful fundraising event. On the day we raised £6,450 and with gift aid this could add another £500. Many thanks to all the volunteers who helped on the day and to everyone who turned up and spent so much. Special thanks go to Deidre, our Jewellery lady who made £1,200 and Ros, Sandie and Maureen on the Cake Stall who raised over £750, our best total on this stall.

Hopefully you can join us again on Saturday 13 August and see the new sand pits we have installed in the outside dog runs.

On Wednesday 25 May we held our AGM and as usual had a good attendance. Felicity Huston, Norma Bailie, Michael Moreland and Tracey Doherty stood down as Trustees and our thanks go to them for their help and support over the years. Des Thompson, Linda Glenn and Laurie Prior were elected Trustees. At the meeting I gave out a copy of the Assisi Organisation Structure and the Strategic Plan, anyone who was not at the meeting and would like a copy of these documents please contact the Sanctuary 028 9181 2622.

Since our last edition Caroline Millar, Marketing and Fundraising Manager, has resigned. We are very sorry to

loose Caroline; she carried out a lot of work on her own and in the background managing to heighten our media profile through her long list of contacts. Our best wishes for the future go to Caroline and her husband Danny.Recently Clarissa Baldwin, CEO Dogs Trust & Chair of ADCH came on a visit to Assisi and to our Homeward Bound Centre in Maghera. Clarissa and two of her managers gave an undertaking that Dogs Trust will take more dogs from us through Chance of a Lifetime.

In the last edition I outlined our thinking in relation to the Cattery. Draft plans have been drawn up and Architects involved. We have engaged a company to identify a drainage scheme for the site. This needs to be a priority before any new build takes place.

Alison Lennon is organising a number of flag days and hopefully bag packs but really does need more support. If you can give an hour or two, usually on a Saturday, please contact the Sanctuary on 028 9181 2622 and leave your name and Alison will contact you.

Thank you, for your continued support.

Brian Bingham Chairman, Friends of Assisi Animal Sanctuary

28 April 2011

Dear

As a valued supporter of Assisi Animal Sanctuary your help is greatly appreciated.

This year our campaign is called Help Care For Me focusing on the care of residents who require that extra bit of attention due to illness or old age and this is where we need your assistance.

Assisi is committed to providing an excellent quality of life for our animals no matter what their age or state of health. For many, we are the last chance for an older or special needs animal to find happiness.

We endeavour to re-home all of our animals, however, some have been with us for quite some time. These residents need an experienced owner aware of the needs of an animal on long term medication, or it may be an owner who understands their needs as they gracefully approach older age. Special homes like these are out there but they are few and far between so in the meantime you can Help Us To Care For Them.

While they wait for their special home you can ensure their care continues. Sponsoring an animal at Assisi can be a great gift, not only for the sponsor, but for our residents who rely on your support to survive.

You can sponsor an animal from as little as £3 per month. Simply choose your animal from the brochure attached, complete the standing order form, indicating the amount of money you would like to donate each month, place it in the envelope provided and return to Assisi.

What do you receive?At the very start, you will receive a pack containing details and pictures of your sponsored animal, a letter from your sponsored animal, a sponsor certificate and a car sticker. You will also receive regular updates from your chosen animal.

Thank you for your help – it really makes a difference to our animals.

Yours sincerely

Brian Bingham Chairman

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update

We launched our 2011 campaign - “Will you Help Care for Me” in the May newsletter. Thank you to all of you who have sponsored one of our long term residents. We are committed to providing excellent quality of life for all of our animals no matter what their age or state of health. You can help us care for them through our “Will you Help Care for Me” campaign from as little as £3 per month.

In return you will receive a pack containing details & pictures of your sponsored animal, a letter from your sponsored animal, a car sticker & a sponsor certificate. You will also receive regular updates from your chosen animal. You can find out more about this campaign by calling Zoie on 028 9181 2622.

CAre forwill you help

me

how your gift Could help AssisiAssisi Animal Sanctuary receives no government funding and we rely entirely on the generosity of our supporters to continue our work. By leaving a gift to

Assisi Animal Sanctuary in your Will, you can help us secure

the funds we need to continue to operate The Sanctuary and

to continue caring for the hundreds of animals which pass

through our care each year.

If you become an Assisi Advocate you will receive the

Assisi Newsletter 5 times a year and annually we will write to you to keep you up-to-date

with our current plans. Also, as an Assisi Advocate we will look after any animals you may have at the time of your death until we find them a loving home.

If you would like to talk with one of the Trustees, please speak to

The Sanctuary Manager, Heather Oliver and she will arrange

an appointment. Tel: 028 9181 2622

brian

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The ImporTance of panacur Many people still do not know that rabbits should be wormed at least once a year, especially if they get outside and spend time grazing in the garden! Not only does worming protect them from common parasites such as tapeworms and roundworms it rids them of an even nastier parasite, E.Cuniculi.

E. Cuniculi is a spread through spores shed in the urine of affected rabbits. A way of reducing the risk of transmission between rabbits is to use water bottles instead of water bowls as rabbits will often urinate in their water bowl.

Symptoms include head tilt, liver disease, kidney disease, cataracts, incontinence, loss of function in the legs (back, front, or both), nystagmus (eye twitching), and/or other neurological symptoms.

If your rabbit is displaying any of these symptoms it should be taken to a vet immediately.

The best way of protecting your rabbit is by administering Panacur Rabbit paste. Your Vet can advise you.

rABBit hints

& tips

3

Despite the dreary summer weather, things have been going very well at The Warren. We have had a number of rabbits and guinea pigs going to their new, loving homes. All are doing very well and have settled in quickly with their new families.

At the beginning of June we received a call from Home-ward Bound, which is based in Maghera, about 9 rabbits that were living in appalling conditions. They were living in tiny hutches stacked one on top of the other in a dark shed. All 9 rabbits were removed from the hutches and were transported down to us where we had a foster carer waiting for them.

Sadly we lost two of the 9 rabbits, one to a nasty infection in his blood caused by the filthy conditions he was living in and one other who had a large cancerous tumour in her uterus, the cancer had spread to her chest so she was euthanised.

The remaining 7 rabbits are now on site and

are doing well,

some were in poorer health than others but we are confident they will make a full recovery. We are very grateful to Wendy Welshman for fostering all these rabbits for a few weeks. We couldn’t have helped them all without her help!

One of the 7 rabbits is Bobby, a stunning pink-eyed white male. He is around 3 years old and is a real character! Bobby hasn’t had much handling before arriving here and still finds being picked up and hugged quite stressful but he is coming round to it slowly!

Bobby loves nothing more than digging! He digs in his hay, in his litter tray and has dug some lovely holes in his run! As

messy as it is, as long as he is happy, we are happy!

Bobby is looking for an experienced home that is willing to continue working with his handling issues. He will need a large, spayed female for company and will need a very large secure outdoor area. Bobby would not make a good house rabbit as he is very destructive but he would love to have a large converted shed to live in!

As it is the summer the rabbits are spending lots of time out in their runs, this means they need lots of things to occupy them! Their favourite treat is fruit tree branches. If you are pruning your apple, pear or cherry tree and don’t know what to do with the branches, give them to us! We use the sticks to make toys and the larger bits of branches as browse treats and gnaw sticks.

If you think you could give Bobby the loving home he needs, or have lots of fruit tree branches you want to get rid of please contact Cerys on 028 9181 2622 or email cerys@assisi- ni.org.

news from

the wArren!

Rango Rango is a loving affectionate 8 year old terrier cross. When he came to us he was in a bad state. Most of his hair had fallen out as a result of a skin condition which is currently being treated & his hair is starting to grow back. Rango enjoys going for walks & loves to play fetch. We are looking for a foster home for Rango. Assisi will pay for any medication Rango needs. If you are interested in giving Rango the second chance he needs please give us a call or come up & meet him!

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foCus on

dogs

We are pleased to report that all dogs featured in the May

Newsletter have been re-homed. All Assisi dogs are vaccinated

and neutered.

We currently have over 30 dogs looking for a new home - why not visit the Sanctuary and see

them for yourself.

nervous but once he builds up trust, he is a very friendly dog, who is well trained & loves getting out for a long walk. Rowdy is suitable for a family home

with older children aged 16+ but with no other dogs.

rango

dudley

dudley Dudley is a 1½ year old male Labrador cross. He is a very friendly & affectionate dog, who just loves to play fetch, which he excels at. Dudley can be a little nervous, so needs more work with handling. He will suit an older family with children aged 12+, who are active, love playing & going for long walks.

pascal Pascal is a lovely lurcher cross, who is around 4 years old. He loves attention & cuddles & enjoys

spending time in the garden playing with toys. Pascal would benefit from further training on his commands. He is doing very well & is learning fast. Pascal would be best suited to a quiet home with older children & with no other small animals such as cats or rabbits as he will chase them.

rowdy Rowdy is a 3½ year old male, black Labrador cross. He can be a little

4

pascal

Izzy

carson

carson Carson is a 1 year old male Labrador cross. He is extremely

friendly and loves to play & enjoys lots of attention. Carson can be boisterous, so needs more work with handling on the lead, basic manners & socialisation with other dogs. He will suit an active family with children aged 13+ who have the time for playing and training.

izzy Izzy is a stunning 1½ year old German Shepherd with endless amounts of energy! Izzy loves to play & can get very excited so she would benefit from further training. She has a medical condition that will require careful management & will require an experienced owner who has owned German Shepherds. For further information about Izzy, please call the Sanctuary & ask to speak to one of the dog section staff.

rowdy

marge Marge is around 3 years old and is a tortie and white female. She was left abandoned at the gates of the

Sanctuary and is a real cutie. Marge is very affectionate and has a distinctive purr. She would be suitable for a home with access to the outdoors/secure garden.

misty Misty is a lovable 12 year old female cat. She has a life-limiting illness and urgently requires a foster

home, where she can spend the rest of her days in comfort. If you feel you could offer Misty a suitable home, please speak to a member of staff who will talk you through Misty’s requirements and what being a foster carer would entail.

danny Danny is a 4 year old black & white long haired male. He is very friendly and just loves attention and affection. He is not good with other cats and would love a home with a secure garden. Danny will need regular grooming and will suit a

family with children aged 10+. He would make a great family pet.

candy Candy is a beautiful 6 year old tortie/tabby female. She is quiet, well behaved and very affectionate, loving lots of cuddles. Candy is not great with other cats and loves her own space, so access to a secure garden would be great for

farm or

stable yard

needed!

At Assisi we have semi-feral cats and they are looking for a space to call their own. All they ask is that you feed them and maintain their health. In return you will get a rodent free area! To help them settle in they will require a secure area where they can spend a few weeks.

Since the last edition of Paw Prints we have re-homed 10 cats from Harmony House and they are all doing well, so if you have space, please consider a resident from Harmony House.

If you are interested, please contact 028 9181 2622.

fArm or stABle yArd?do you hAve A

Saturday 30 July Official Opening of Ballynahinch

Charity Shop at 11am, plus Street Collection.

Saturday 13 August Open Day and Sale, The Sanctuary,

1 Old Bangor Road, Conlig, Newtownards, 10.30am - 1.30pm.

Saturday 13 August Downpatrick Street Collection.

Friday 26 & Saturday 27 August

Information Stand, Flagship Centre, Bangor

Friday 9 September Assisi Charity Fire walk at

Harlequinns Rugby Club, Deramore Avenue, Belfast. Tickets £10

includes supper & entertainment

Saturday 10 September Bangor Street Collection.

Friday 16 September Table Quiz, Bangor Lawn Tennis

Club, Farnham Park, Bangor. 8pm Entrance £5.

Friday 30 September Table Quiz, Holywood Rugby Club, 8pm. Entrance £5 - includes supper.

Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 October

Dog Reunion Walk, The Sanctuary, 1 Old Bangor Road,

Conlig, Newtownards.

Friday 7 October Belfast Support Group Table

Quiz, Civil Service Sports Club, Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast,

7.45pm. Entrance £5.

Saturday 15 October Newtownards Street Collection.

Friday 28 October Table Quiz, Holywood Rugby Club, 8pm. Entrance £5 - includes supper.

Full list of events on - www.assisi-ni.org

If you could spare some time to help any of our events please let us know.

For more details on any event, please ring the Sanctuary on

028 9181 2622.

foCus onAssisievents CAts

All Assisi Cats are vaccinated and neutered. If you are interested in re-homing or fostering a cat,

please visit or call the Sanctuary on 028 9181 2622.

candy

5

her. She is great company and will make a great addition to any family.

TESS Tess is 2 year old black long haired female. She loves affection and attention and is very friendly. Tess will be best suited to a family home with children aged 10+ with access to a secure garden. She is not good with other cats. Tess longs for a loving home.

danny

tess

misty

Marge

Would you like to give your favours in aid of Assisi. We will provide you with the Favour Cards. Contact Heather at The Sanctuary on 028 9181 2622 for details.

Are you getting

mArried?

Kittens

ACt up!

youtube ChAnnellAunChed

Q My dog has started to scratch & chew at his feet.

What might be causing this?

Poor dog, that’s terribly irritating for him & you. Have you had a thorough check through his coat for signs of fleas & other parasites? Usually you will see little pieces of black grit. This is the dirt fleas leave behind after feeding. Many dogs will also get a condition called Atopy which is similar to hay fever or a dust allergy. Both will result in very itchy skin, ears & feet. It is important to visit your Vet to get the appropriate treatment before he damages his skin. Secondary infection is very common & can result in prolonged antibiotics. Antihistamines will help a little but dogs’ allergies are different to ours & need a different range of medication to alleviate the discomfort. Using an effective topical parasite treatment is always important especially in a dog with a skin condition. Walking him away from forests, flowering grass & freshly mown lawns will also reduce his exposure to allergens such as pollen. Regular baths in hypoallergenic shampoo will also ease his discomfort.

Q My elderly cat has lost a lot of weight and its breath is

very bad. She seems to be eating & drinking okay.

What could be wrong with her?

Many people used to think that cats naturally became thinner as they aged. Thankfully this is not inevitable. Many older cats, like older people, develop metabolic problems such as liver disease, kidney problems & over active thyroid glands. A thorough clinical examination by a Vet will certainly point towards a possible cause but it is usually necessary to take a blood & urine sample to help confirm the diagnosis. Bad breath can be an indication of gingivitis & periodontitis, serious dental problems which cause discomfort eating. Bad teeth are also a source of infection to the whole body & should not be ignored. Unfortunately mouth tumours are also common in cats & will smell terribly if they become infected. Many of these problems can be treated quite simply with medication & in some cases, a change in diet to reduce the work failing organs have to do. Thankfully due to advances in medical care 15 is the new 12 as more cats can expect to reach a grand old age.

Q My rabbit’s eyes have got very watery & her bum is quite dirty.

Are these 2 connected & what would be causing it?

Watery eyes are a serious symptom in Rabbits. They have a very narrow tortuous tear duct which can easily become blocked after conjunctivitis, resulting in tears overflowing on to the rabbit’s face causing skin irritation & infection. The duct will need to be flushed to

Instead of favours we would kindly ask that you make a donation to

Assisi Animal Sanctuary

6

remove the blockage. Rabbits are also prone to the roots & crowns of teeth overgrowing. This is a very serious problem. Not only does the tear duct become permanently blocked, the crowns develop sharp spurs which tear the cheek & tongue. It is important to have this problem investigated by your Vet to determine the cause.

Myxomatosis is also common resulting in swollen, weeping eyes. This disease is spread by fleas from wild rabbits. It is vital that pet bunnies are vaccinated to prevent this terrible disease. The dirty bum may be connected with a dental problem. Bunnies who are not fed a diet rich in insoluble fibre such as hay will not wear down their teeth but will also not be able to digest their food properly, producing soft sticky droppings. Bunnies with dirty bums are liable to get Blowfly Strike - a condition caused by flies laying their eggs in the droppings stuck to the bunny. The resulting maggots have a ready meal - the rabbit!

Cerys, Assisi’s bunny expert is always delighted to advise owners about the correct diet for rabbits & prevention of this distressing problem. It is also important to visit your vet to have the teeth & tear ducts checked, get your bunny vaccinated & get advice on preventing maggot infestation!

Assisi received a call from Green Inc TV asking if they could use some of our kittens in a scene for a comedy show called “The Sketchy Show”. During July, I went along with 5 kittens, Spike, Sasha, Spy, Shylo and Sheriff.

I was able to watch the scenes being filmed and then it was our turn. I was slightly nervous as I carried the kittens towards the cardboard box they had to sit in, wondering how long they would stay in the box!! But they were star troopers and stayed in the box until the filming was finished. They behaved very well & got to see lots of different things & smell new scents although once I brought them back to the Sanctuary, they couldn’t wait to snuggle up in their beds.

Julie Gilmore

The Official Assisi Animal Sanctuary “YouTube” Channel was launched recently.

The channel is free to use & view & is a

great media source to help with the re-homing of our animals, promoting future fundraising events, creating awareness & promoting the Sanctuary in a positive light.

Follow us @: www.youtube.com/user/

AssisiAnimalMedia

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If you have questions you would like our Vets to answer, please email your question to [email protected] and they will be answered by Linda Glenn from Glenn Vets - www.glennveterinaryclinic.co.uk and Des Thompson, retired Vet from Eastwood Vets

Bangor Support Group The Bangor support group has had two fundraising events since May. We had an Information Stand at Bloomfield Shopping Centre during Rabbit Awareness Week and were kept busy for the five days especially on Friday night. We had so many shoppers giving us all their change & telling us stories of their beloved pets. It was heartening to hear that so many of them had come from Assisi & had found good & loving homes. Through sales of small items & by voluntary donations we raised a total of £1,176. We are delighted with this total & really appreciate the help given by the Bloomfield Shopping Centre & all the staff during the week.Our second event was a street collection in Donaghadee on 2 July. We had wonderful weather & took up our usual positions outside the Corner shop, the Co-op & Gordon’s chemist. We raised a total of £454.08

Our next events will be an information stand at the end of August on 25 & 26 in the Flagship Centre, Bangor and a quiz on 15 September in Bangor Lawn Tennis Club.

Many thanks to all our volunteers & the public who support us at our events. Audrey McKee

Ards Support Group We had a very successful street collection in Newtownards on Saturday 7 May, where we raised a grand total of £656. It is always very rewarding to take part in these collections & to witness the genuine generosity & concern of many people for the welfare of the animals at Assisi. It’s even more remarkable too, especially in the current financial climate where many people face difficulties, so a great big ‘Thank You’ to all who helped with the collection & to those who kindly contributed as well. Our next events are in October when we have the very popular Dogs Reunion on the 1 and 2 of October at the Sanctuary and then

meet hilAry wAllACe

If you have some time to spare and would like to join one of our Support Groups, please contact the Sanctuary on 028 9181 2622.

GROUPS

news from the

support

7

we have another street collection in Newtownards on 15 October. We are always looking for more volunteers to help with fund-raising events, so if you are interested and would like to help, please contact the Sanctuary. Jennifer Tibbs

Larne Support Group On 25 June, we held a street collection in Larne which raised £570. Our chairperson Shonagh Russell thanks all the collectors for taking time out from their busy schedules to help with the collection. We are a young group & would love some new members to help with events. Marie Hamilton

Down District Group We have two Street Collections organised for the next few months. The first one is in Ballynahinch on 30 July and the second one is in Downpatrick on Saturday 13 August. Volunteers welcome for both events. Joan Burton

Belfast Group The Belfast Support group invite you to our first Bingo evening on Thursday 22 September at 7.45pm at the Civil Service Sports Club, Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast. At our Quiz in June which raised £448, we started a bring & buy book table & are hoping to have this additional fundraiser at all our other evening events.

Our group was asked to organize the tombola at the Open Day in May & it raised just over £180. We will be holding it again at the August Open Day at the Sanctuary.

Our next quiz is on Friday 7 October at 7.45pm at the Civil Service Sports Club, Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast.

We are planning to have a clothes swap evening and a Fashion Show next year. So watch this space for more information. Hope we all have a peaceful summer.

Best wishes, Janice Reid

Hilary has been a regular volunteer with Assisi for almost 9 years. When she started working at Assisi she did paperwork and filing relating to the rehoming of the animals and then about 4 years ago, at the request of the Sanctuary Manager, she agreed to help out in reception as well. This involves answering the telephone, dealing with queries and customers. Hilary enjoys coming to Assisi as she feels she is supporting the Assisi animals by doing something worthwhile.

Hilary and her husband Ray had 2 Assisi dogs until recently when unfortunately Tara (Connie) sadly died. She is very much missed by both of them and is described by Hilary as the “best dog ever“. Tara featured in an Assisi Calendar and one of our Gift Cards. Her other Assisi dog is Poppy who was 1year old when they got her. She had some major problems but 8 months on and many training classes later; Poppy is beginning to settle down and has recently received the Good Citizen Bronze award and is working towards the Silver and Gold.

Before Hilary retired she had a period when she was off sick. She had many favourite poems, readings and sayings and, as therapy for herself, compiled them in booklet form, printed copies and asked friends to give subscriptions to Assisi for them. This raised around £1,000.

At the request of many friends she them compiled a 2nd booklet entitled “Doggie Reflections” (her favourite poems and sayings about dogs) which is available from Assisi Reception.

Here is one of the many lovely poems from the booklet:

The Dog & Creation

On the first day of creation, God created the dog.

On the second day, God created man to serve the dog.

On the third day, God created all the animals of the earth (especially the horse) to serve as potential food for the dog.

On the fourth day, God created honest toil so that man could labour for the good of the dog.

On the fifth day, God created the tennis ball so that the dog might or might not retrieve it.

On the sixth day, God created veterinary science to keep the dog healthy and the man broke.

On the seventh day, God tried to rest, but he had to walk the dog!

Unknown.

During her time with Assisi, Hilary has seen many changes with the main one being Reception moving to a bigger, brighter and more airy location which is much quieter and where you can now hear the customer.

Hilary is hoping for a considerable lottery win as her husband Ray has said he will make the necessary funds available to Assisi to rebuild the Sanctuary. We are all keeping our fingers crossed they win.

tuffy goes to montAnA,

usA

CrAft group stAll

Every month hundreds of supporters raise much needed funds for Assisi and we are very appreciative. Here are just a few of those who volunteer to fundraise for us.

Riding High - Four years ago Gavin Graham raised a large sum of money for Assisi when he completed a herculean bicycle ride as part of the Tour de France. Gavin has again raised funds - this time taking a week to cycle 400 miles across the Italian Alps. Some days this entailed scaling 12 mile gradients of 1 in 10 in extremely high temperatures. He crossed into Switzerland & covered the famous Monte Bre overlooking the gorgeous town of Lugano & found views over Lake Maggiore quite breathtaking. Makes one weary merely thinking of it! Gavin confesses to having enjoyed to excess the excellent food & wine & arrived home rather heavier than when he set out. Well done to Gavin who raised a fantastic £4,930.

Every month Equiniti ICS holds a ‘Pay Day Breakfast’ fundraiser. Staff have breakfast sandwiches prepared on site, with a choice of

thAnKs for rAising muCh

needed fundsbacon, sausage & eggs, in return for a donation. All proceeds go directly to a nominated charity & in June it was the turn of Assisi. All ingredients are donated either by Irwin’s Bakeries or Equiniti ICS. Thanks go to Peter Wylie (top chef for the day) and to the staff at Equiniti ICS for their support. They raised £230.

Students of Bangor Grammar who raised £140.

A Group of Assisi Volunteers who did a street collection in Holywood in June and raised £573.

Diane Armstrong who organised a bag pack at Connswater Shopping Centre and raised £1,005. Great result - thanks to Diane and everyone who helped her pack bags.

Animal Care Students (level 2) from Belfast Metropolitan College who raised £95.

To everyone who came to the Blessing at the Abbey and donated £131. It was a wet miserable day so many thanks for turning out in the rain.

Many thanks to all the volunteers who ran the Belfast Marathon. Ashleigh McVeigh who raised £160, James Beattie who raised £250, Victoria Beaumont & Eddy Mortimer who raised £107 and Helen, Coop, Simon, Joanne, Wayne & Noel who raised £332.46.

Assisi Animal Sanctuary, 1 Old Bangor Road, Conlig, Newtownards BT23 7PU • Tel: 028 9181 2622 • www.assisi-ni.org

I adopted Tuffy in 1998. I came to Assisi to walk dogs, but most had been walked & the staff suggested I socialize with the kittens. I fell in love with Patches, adopted her & renamed her ‘Tuffy’.

I met my future husband Rob in 1999. Rob was from Montana USA & in 2002, Tuffy & I emigrated to Montana. Tuffy & I drove to Dublin, flew to Atlanta, then Utah & then finally Whitefish, Montana, where we now live an idyllic life. It was a 36 hour door to door journey & many people on the flights became vested in Tuffy’s well-being as at that time Delta allowed small animals in the cabin.

Tuffy has since become sister to 2 golden retriever dogs, called Titan & Tucker & a reluctant matriarch to a rambunctious boy cat called Jackie Chan Ninja Kitten. Tuffy is the matriarch of our family & lives a life of comfort with many settees, beds & a large deck to lounge on when it is sunny. Rob, my husband, has a home-based business & all the employees are attuned to Tuffy’s needs for tactile affection & when she arrives on the shop floor, work stops & Tuffy is attended to by everyone.

From rescue cat, to American citizen, Tuffy is revered. We rescued Tuffy but maybe she rescued us & gave us a life less than ordinary by knowing her & making us understand that the best things in life are good food, cat-naps & demanding attention from the people that you love. If reincarnation is possible, I want to be reincarnated as Tuffy, as life is good when you cultivate enough love to have people attuned to your every need.

I bless every day that Assisi had the intelligence to suggest I socialize with the kittens as Tuffy & I are living a life less than ordinary.

Christine Farrington

8

I would like to thank everyone who has supported our Craft Group Stall. We are busy making items for the

next sales in August & November.

Jam & Chutney season is upon us. Thanks to everyone who gave me fruit last year. I made

over 250 jars of chutney

& lost count of the jars of jam I made. All have been sold. If anyone has any spare fruit or tomatoes, I would be most grateful for any contributions, which can be left at the Sanctuary:

For Jam - Blackcurrants, Redcurrants, Gooseberries, Damsons, Plums, Apples, Blackberries and Rhubarb.

For Chutney - Onions, Carrots, Cauliflower, Marrow, Tomatoes Red or Green and Beetroot.

We would love to have some new people join our group. If you would be interested, come & have a chat with me at the Coffee Morning & Sale at the Sanctuary on 13 August or give me a ring.

We are able to raise funds from used stamps but we need

volunteers to trim them.

You can do this in your own home. If you can spare some time to help, please ring the Sanctuary

and ask for Heather Oliver.

wAntedvolunteers to

trim stAmps

Our next Coffee Morning is Open Day at the Sanctuary on

Saturday 13 August at 10.30am - 1.30pm.

Thank you to everyone who baked for the May Coffee Morning & Sale. Despite the dreadful weather we had a fantastic day & the Cake Stall had its most successful day to date. It is always one of the most popular stalls & we need lots of stock for it - home baked cakes, tray bakes & buns to sell to raise much needed funds for the cats, dogs & rabbits.

If you could help in any way with home baked produce, please leave donations at the Sanctuary on Friday 12 August or bring them with you early on the Saturday morning.

Thank you for your support.

Attention All BAKers

Phone Michelle on 028 9059 1658

gavin graham


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