A Good Cause

 Saturday 18th February 2023

I have been thinking about the kind comments I got after I posting the last time. I have decided that I will write occasional items on subjects that stand out to me, in this case a Dog Rescue place on the island. I had never been to one, but I suppose the images of lots of dogs barking, urine smells and dogs  in cages springs to mind. I am not going to talk  about the things that might have happened to these animals, that’s negativity and not helpful at all. 

I don’t know how this shelter is funded, I think it gets donations, gifts and peoples time. I am pleased to report that I have undertaken the first and last of these acts of kindness. The owner does get some indirect help from the local government, for instance free water. So let’s start with the basics. The place is an old farmhouse, on land, which is rented. The whole plot, which is large, is fenced off against intruders and inmates escaping! The farmhouse acts as a place for the shelters second worker, who, I believe is unpaid and from Switzerland like the person who runs it. This volunteer seems to spend most of his life here and is a carpenter by trade. It’s fair to say that the site has magnificent views and is a bit exposed. ( meaning very windy like Hora) My first visit, was freezing, with ice on the tracks. I had not expected to see ice on this island . The second visit, started cold, but was really lovely, once the sun got high enough to shine on us.

Photo Interlude - Come back soon!

There is mains electricity but on my first visit, this was shut off unexpectedly during our visit to do work on a nearby pole. Water is brought in by tanker, but it is not save to drink, and stored in two huge tanks. It’s provided for free. There is no mains sewage facilities. The site has natural inclines and these have been used cleverly so water runs away from each dogs enclosures. A core set of the dogs all get on and these have a part of the farmhouse dedicated to their sleeping facilities including double beds and so on. They can also roam anywhere inside the main enclosure fencing. If there is barking, there is no one anywhere near to hear it. The other dogs, all have their own private living arrangements which are as big as an average garage in the UK. These are individually located in their own secured fenced off spaces, one for each dog. There are big. The living arrangements and lots of other facilities have been made out out things that have been recovered from renovations on the island for example doors, windows, shutters etc. The accommodations are weather proof, comfortable and clean, a human  could live in one. 

Photo Interlude - View of the rescue place as you approach it on foot.

When the second volunteer is available. I imagine he walks the dogs, the owner, can’t do this now, but during the day will feed the dogs twice with quality ingredients plus tasty supplements that are given by butchers etc. This person cleans the living accommodations each day.  When I was there the first time, I walked the dogs with the owners daughter, who was on the island for two weeks. This takes many separate trips.The second time, I walked all the dogs, including the four, the owner has in their house. These walks are on the tracks nearby. The walks  last a decent amount of time, one dog is blind, frail  and very old, so does not go. The dogs are given a thorough brush each day and time spent with each.  Apart from two of the owners dogs, all are walked on a lead.

Photo Interlude - Part of the outside living arrangements 

It’s fair to say that the operation is winding down, the need for the dog rescue place is not so critical now, but it would be good if someone did take it on. Most of the dogs are now quite old, with the exception of one.

I don’t mind admitting my two visits, especially the second one left me very tired, but elated, especially as one dog, who does not take to new people well, was in there,  wanting cuddles on my second visit. I have said I will go up there once a week to help, so the second person can have a day off. 

Photo Interlude- One of the dogs houses

But they do need someone in the summer to volunteer. Their daughter is going to use social media to find volunteers. The rescue place currently has no social media or website presence. I have to say I am so impressed with the owners organisation and the kindness it provides to these animals. They all look healthy and are clearly very happy with what life offers them how. One, who I particularly became fond of, just loves being cuddled, slightly wary at first, but the eyes of that dog haunt me, even when I think of those tender moments I had with it. I have to also admit, that everything is neat and tidy, and beautifully thought out. I could not think of one thing I would be able to suggest to make things better. 

Photo Interlude - Dogs with a view, two of the dogs, on their walk with me.

So there we go,  a lovely story for this lovely island.  I leave out the names of the individuals who are the primary workers of this post as neither I believe use the internet.