Festive foster homes sought for rescue dogs

Local dog rescue group MADRA is calling on the people of Galway to provide two-week foster homes for rescue dogs over the Christmas period.

The charity is looking for people to commit to giving a warm, loving and treat-filled home to an unwanted dog over the next fortnight.

Edel Comerford of MADRA said December is a very busy month for animal charities and extra help is needed.

“The support of foster families during this period will help to alleviate overcrowding and ensure adequate space for the dogs waiting in the local pounds in Galway and Mayo.

“Christmas is an extremely busy time for all animal shelters – rehoming rates slow down dramatically and the pounds are closing for Christmas so we need to take the dogs in by a certain date.

“Fostering can be extremely rewarding for those who would like to own a dog but are unable to do so due to work or family commitments. Taking a dog into your home for the Christmas period will not only help this dog to find their forever home, it will also make space for a dog waiting in the local authority pound,” said Ms Comerford.

If you are interested in fostering, contact madradogrescue@gmail.com or text 086 0603646.

Meanwhile, the ISPCA has stressed that pets should never be given as surprise Christmas gifts.

“Christmas is a joyful time with lots of festive activities and a new pet can sometimes get lost in the chaos. Every year the ISPCA stress that pets should never be bought on a whim or given as a surprise Christmas gift without fully thinking through their decision.

“Taking on a pet is a long term commitment and the ISPCA suggest potential owners should ensure they have the time and financial resources required to care for their pets responsibly,” ISPCA Chief Inspector Conor Dowling said.

“Pets should never be an impulse purchase at any time of the year. They are a lifetime commitment and require an investment of both time and money. It is important to research the right pet for you and your household ensuring that you have the time and resources to care for it.

“We recommend that you visit your local rescue centre or the ISPCA where expert staff will ensure that you and your new pet are a suitable match. Dogs adopted from rescues should also be health-checked, vaccinated, neutered/spayed, microchipped. If you do decide to purchase a puppy, please ensure that it is from a reputable breeder”.

Already this year, the ISPCA has  received over 20,000 calls to the ISPCA National Animal Cruelty Helpline 1890 515 515 from concerned members of the public reporting cruelty, neglect and abuse.

Unfortunately, in some cases after the excitement of a new arrival wears off, new pets are no longer wanted and can be discarded or abandoned. This can be especially prevalent at Christmas when well-meaning parents give a pet to their children perhaps not realising the commitment required in caring for them and the fact that any pet takes time to adjust to its new surroundings.