Paws for thought before buying a pet

A SOARING number of pets have been dumped in Oldham as a result of the recession.

Pennine Pen Animal Rescue in Hathershaw has taken in a number of dogs whose owners can no longer afford to keep them, and is desperate to find them new homes.

Hughie the crossbreed is just one of the dogs left homeless by the credit crunch.

He is in Pennine Pen for the second time in his life. He was rehomed three years ago, but finances forced his new owners to give him back.

Over the past few months, the rescue centre has experienced a one-third increase in the number of abandoned and unwanted dogs it has been asked to take in.

Besides financial reasons, owners give up their pets through relationship breakdowns, and lack of knowledge before they get a dog. The influx of unwanted pets has prompted Pennine Pen to join forces with a campaign offering owners help and advice.

The Better British Dog Owner’s campaign, partnered with Pennine Pen Animal Rescue and Butcher’s Pet Care, aims to help owners find solutions to problems through education and advice.

Campaign spokeswoman Kim O’Meara said: “Whether it’s a dog who is in need of house training guidance, advice about the right diet to reduce hyperactivity, how to combat separation anxiety when you’re dog is left or how to walk properly on the lead, we’re here to help.

“With more than 100,000 dogs in rescue homes each year, we’re hoping we can not only help reduce the amount by encouraging more people to adopt, but help build the bond between dogs and their owners.”

Hughie is eight years old and has lived with dogs and cats in his previous home, but due to lack of socialisation as a pup, needs an experienced owner.

The tan and white medium-sized dog is very playful and energetic and would benefit from training classes.

He would suit a home with older children, aged 12-plus, and loves walks although he can’t be let off the lead.

Hughie is house-trained, neutered, fully vaccinated, wormed and microchipped.

Anyone who can give a home to him, or any of the other animals at the rescue centre, should call 0161-621 0819.


Birthday treats from kind Vera

ANIMAL-LOVER Vera Lowe used her special birthday to help unwanted pets at Pennine Pen Animal Rescue.

She asked family and friends to make a donation to the charity instead of buying cards and gifts for her 80th birthday. And her generosity meant she was able to hand over £500.

Vera held her birthday party at Werneth Golf Club earlier this month.

She wanted to say thank-you to Pennine Pen for the pleasure she has had from the cat and dog she adopted from them several years ago.