A DAY AT THREE COUNTIES DOG RESCUE

Three Counties Dog Rescue is based at Dawsmere Kennels in Bourne, Lincolnshire.  The kennels are owned by Ian, and Christine is the Kennels Manager.  Gyll and all the staff are fully involved in caring for the dogs on a daily basis

The Reception block where you will meet Gyll and the kennel staff, and of course our wonderful dogs!  This building also includes a utility area for food preparation, and indoor kennels for those dogs who need this facility.

One of the kennel blocks showing just a few of our lovely boys and girls waiting for their forever homes.  Each kennel includes a run and an indoor space for the beds which is heated at night when necessary.  Can you help by fostering or adopting?

A typical day at Three Counties Dog Rescue begins at around 5.30 - 6.00 am!  All our boys and girls are let out into their runs to stretch their legs and get some fresh air after a good night's sleep in a warm kennel.  They are very sensitive to their daily routine and know exactly what happens and at what time - they seem to have in-built clocks!  We are well out of favour when the clocks go forward in spring and back again in autumn as they are convinced we have totally 'lost the plot!'  The morning feed is the first task of the day and is greeted with much enthusiasm.

Each day is a non-stop round of cleaning the kennels, bathing and grooming our lovely residents and of course the all important walks which take place at least twice daily.  Water bowls need to be kept full at all times.  Each kennel vacated by a happily re-homed dog is cleaned and prepared for another dog to immediately take their place.  Unfortunately we never have any empty kennels.

A chorus of thanks echoes around the kennels with the afternoon feed and the cleaning, bathing, grooming and walking continues!

Christine in full swing at feeding time - a military operation!  Can you imagine feeding over 40 dogs at least twice daily?  You can see for yourself the huge amount of food required.  The ongoing costs for Three Counties are enormous.   We would be so grateful for any donations you can give so that we can continue to improve the lives of dogs long into the future.

Christine feeding Scooby.   Our boys and girls are so grateful for all the care they receive at Three Counties and we become extremely attached to them.  However, they all need the comfort and security of a loving home, and nothing pleases us more when they get the chance of happiness they deserve. Scooby has since found his forever family.

In-between home checks, visits to the vets, collecting new dogs and dealing with enquiries on a mobile phone (which never seems to stop ringing!), Gyll has numerous appointments at the kennels throughout the day.  Three Counties Dog Rescue is not open to the public for general viewing as we find it is too upsetting and unsettling for our dogs when strangers are constantly walking around.  We have only the very best interests of our boys and girls at heart, and we need to be particularly protective of those dogs who still feel traumatised by their past experiences.

Gyll sees people with pre-arranged appointments so that she can spend time giving information and introducing the dogs of interest, and advise if they are suitable for each person's particular situation or circumstances.  This procedure is essential for successful re-homing to ensure both the dog and his/her new family will be truly happy.  Dawsmere Kennels are presently having a new kennel block built with a fenced facility which they will be happy for Three Counties to use. We are looking forward to the imminent completion of this work as it will give us the opportunity to help even more dogs, and a secure walking area where you and your new friend can spend time getting to know each other.

Gyll is also very busy during the day with visitors collecting the 'new member' of their family to take home, and settling in those dogs arriving in need of their second chance for a happy life.

Above and right:  A few of our current residents - delightful Jack Russells Rudi and Snowy, and sweet Yorkies Basil and Tiffy.  How can you resist these pleading little faces?  Please contact Gyll to meet our beautiful dogs and find it in your heart to offer a loving home.

The new kennel block currently under construction.  This will enable us to help even more dogs but we desperately need your support to continue our re-homing work.  Also under construction is a secure fenced area where you can spend some time getting to know the dog you are  interested in.

The best quality veterinary care is of utmost importance and regular health checks are carried out by the vets from Burghley Veterinary Centre in Stamford.  Medication is prescribed for certain dogs, as appropriate, which is strictly adhered to by the kennel staff.  Vaccinations are carried out and arrangements made for neutering, micro chipping and further examinations if required.

Regular visits from our vet are an essential part of the routine at the kennels.  We want to ensure all our boys and girls are healthy and receiving the very best care.

Above and left you will see Michelle from Burghley Veterinary Centre, Stamford, examining Molly shortly after arriving at Three Counties.

Michelle checking Hazel and giving her a clean bill of health.  Molly and Hazel are now happily re-homed.  Another success story for Three Counties.  With your help there will be many more happy endings!

All the weary kennel staff head for home between 5.00 - 6.00 pm.  Our 'little darlings' are safely tucked up for another cosy night to dream of the day their turn will come for a loving forever home.  Rest assured, though, Ian is very close at hand to keep an eye on things until another new day dawns at Three Counties Dog Rescue!

As you will no doubt realise our overall running costs are extremely high and it is only with your support that we can guarantee the survival of Three Counties Dog Rescue.

February 2008