Dogs Trust > Information > Shira's Diary >
My Mum took me to the centre, as I had to be accompanied during my visit. This is me arriving at the centre first thing in the morning I had an induction with the lady, her name is Lynn, who was to mentor me during the day. This is where we discussed the health and safety and break and lunchtime information! She also told me about all the jobs that I was going to try to tackle! I was very excited and couldn’t wait to start.
Lynn took us over to one of the blocks where the dogs live and we met Jenny, who is in charge of the block, and Chris, a young man on work experience. I was going to be working with them on that block.
The first job that I tried was calling in all the dogs from the outside runs into the inside kennels, this was so that the outside runs could be cleaned out. Jenny and Chris had already done the inside ones. I then tried to help with the hosing down of the outside kennels but I think I got more water over my mum than on the floor! Mum took over after that!
After that experience it was back into the kitchen part of the block where I set about washing the dogs’ water bowls. I found this a lot easier for me than trying to use the hosepipe – and so did Mum! All the bowls have to be cleaned and then refilled with water. This cuts down the risk of any infections and illnesses.
This took us up to break time. We sat with all the staff and volunteers in the garden and had a nice drink. We listened to and watched the birds. It was lovely and peaceful.
After a short break it was back to work and this time I was given the responsibility of walking some of the dogs. This was great as the dogs are allowed to be taken around the beautiful grassed and barked areas. I had a lot of fun doing this and really enjoyed taking this lady out. Her name is Star and she is a 10-year-old stray with a great temperament. I am thrilled to say that she wont be with Dogs Trust much longer as she had a new home to go to! I walked Star several times during the day and really enjoyed it.
After all the exercise with the dogs it was time for lunch. We sat in the same place as before and enjoyed our lunch just listening to the birds and the dogs!
The staff then gave me a choice – would I like to go and watch some clicker training being done or would I prefer to ‘socialise’ a puppy? Well, I think you can probably guess what I wanted to do! This adorable 10-week-old Staffie pup battered me! He was gorgeous and so playful! He knocked my glasses off and scratched all of my face with his tiny claws, all in the name of fun! He just
wanted to play all the time, so he was trying to climb up my wheelchair to get at me! I don’t think he will have to wait too long for a good home, at least I hope not!
After all this fun it was back to work walking the dogs again. They need lots of volunteers at the dogs trust just to walk the dogs so that they are given plenty of exercise. I was only too happy to help.
My last job of the day was to help with feeding. Jenny sorted out the dry food into the bowls as she knows who has what amount and of what type and then I put the meat into the bowls and mixed it in. Jenny and Chris then gave the food to the dogs, and I had to leave.
Everyone at the centre was so kind and friendly to me and I had a great day. I will be going back on a regular basis, during school holidays, as a volunteer! They have said they would be happy to have me!!
I appreciate all the help that I was given by all the staff at the Dogs Trust at their Head Office and most especially by everyone at Merseyside Branch – THANK YOU!!!!
THANK YOU also to everyone involved at the YKC and the Shaun McAlpine Award Committee, without whom this would not have been possible.
THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!!!!!!
