Bath Cats and Dogs Home has launched an appeal for local people to adopt their rescue animals in response to the high number arriving at the centre.
Goose out for a walk with his owner Bethan | Photo courtesy of Bath Cats & Dogs Home
The cost-of-living crisis meant that last year saw the highest number of cats and dogs arriving at Bath Cats and Dogs Home needing support and care since 2019, with an intake of 788 animals.
The charity saw a 121% increase in abandoned animals in need of their care in 2022.
Local animal lovers Becky Brooks and Bethan Hann and their families adopted two black spaniel cross puppies last summer after they were abandoned in a heatwave in a Corsham car park, at only six weeks old.
Luckily, the pups were discovered quickly and taken to a local veterinary practice before the Wiltshire Council’s Dog Warden Team brought them to be cared for at Bath Cats and Dogs Home.
The two brothers, named Duck and Goose by staff at the centre, were skinny, dehydrated, frightened by their experience and suffering from mange.
Casey Brown, Animal Services Manager at Bath Cats and Dogs Home said: “Duck and Goose received around-the-clock care to make sure they gained weight and were rehydrated and our animal care team worked hard to socialise the puppies by getting them used to a variety of foods, people and noises and play activities.
“Our veterinary team also tackled their physical health and treated them for worms and mange.
“Once those conditions were cleared up the pups were made available for adoption in early August so they could grow up in a relaxing home environment.”
Bethan Hann, who adopted Goose, said: “I chose Goose as he came into the vet practice where I work after being abandoned in a sorry state – very skinny, full of worms and he later developed mange.
“I knew he might have issues going forward and I was looking to get a rescue dog and thought he would be the perfect fit.
“He actually didn’t have any behavioural issues as he was very well socialised by Bath Cats and Dogs Home while he was there and he was so young when we got him.
“We had a great experience adopting Goose from Bath Cats and Dogs Home. The home checks were simple and easy and we were able to chat to the animal behaviour team about him and his needs.
“He had some hair loss when we first got him and it was brilliant to watch him grow in to the healthy dog he is now.
“He has settled in really well with our other spaniel, Olive, and they are best of friends! He is a friendly, loveable character and is always keen for a cuddle.
“Goose is doing really well and is settled with his new family, we think he is part dachshund as well as spaniel as he has a very long body and quite short legs.
“He is very sociable and loves playing catch in the river and saying hello to people and dogs on walks.
“I would say to anyone, considering adopting a dog from Bath Cats and Dogs Home, to go for it. Goose has added so much to our lives and I could not imagine life without him.”
Becky Brooks, who adopted Duck, said: “We adopted Duck, now called Monty, back in August 2022 when he was the tiniest little puppy.
“Bath Cats and Dogs Home had given Duck, and his brother Goose, the best care and once he was ready for adoption, he came home with us in August.
“Although a little subdued to start with, Monty soon began to thrive. Neither of us had had a puppy before, and we knew it wasn’t going to be easy – it wasn’t – but it was most definitely worth it, and he was actually very good and settled quickly.”
If you are looking for a new pet this summer, Bath Cats and Dogs Home have rescue cats and dogs available for adoption throughout the year.
You can find out more at bathcatsanddogshome.org.uk.
