Plea for volunteers

29th April 2009

Desperate RSPCA chiefs are appealing for volunteer fund-raisers to help with falling donations and an increase in abandoned animals as the recession begins to bite.

The charity's Chesterfield branch is holding its latest collection at Tesco's store, on Meltham Lane, during the ongoing RSPCA Week and is urging those struggling to give cash to donate time.

Richard Woodwards, of the RSPCA Centre, on Spital Lane, Chesterfield, said: "Donations have been down because people are out of work and we're reliant on charity but we're running at a constant loss.

"We're asking people to donate what they can afford and we're trying to build a team of volunteer fund-raisers to promote the centre at various events in the future."

The recession has also seen fewer adoptions with people losing work and being forced into rented accommodation where they cannot keep pets.

But part-time fund-raiser Julie Foster, of Chesterfield, has been co-ordinating collections at Tesco's this week, and Pets at Home, on Chatsworth Road, in the town, on Saturday and Sunday.

Mr Woodwards added: "We hope to raise hundreds of pounds during this latest drive but we don't know what the future holds and will need more help to keep our heads above water."

Anyone interested in supporting the RSPCA can call (01246) 273358

• Fund-raising: Julie Foster has been co-ordinating collections

Give a dog a home

23rd April 2009

Pet lovers are being urged to help the aged after Chesterfield's RSPCA centre has launched a campaign to rehome an influx of elderly dogs.

The centre, on Spital Lane, near the town centre, is struggling to find homes for about ten pooches aged nine and over.

Centre manager Richard Woodwards said: "We’re looking after an unusual amount of elderly dogs which have come to us all at once and we’ve developed something of a senior citizens’ club.

"Unfortunately, it can be more difficult to find them homes because people prefer younger animals with fewer potential health problems.

Companions

"But these dogs have wonderful advantages and make excellent companions for considerate or elderly owners.

"They don’t need house training or lots of exercise and it would be lovely for them to spend their remaining years by the side of a caring companion in a loving home instead of our kennels."

Anyone interested in offering a home to any of these dogs is urged to call Chesterfield RSPCA on (01246) 273358 or can visit the animal centre

• Flooded: The RSPCA is being overrun with old dogs like Jack, left, and Meg, right, with assistant Jane Strauther

And they call it puppy love...

12th March 2009

It was a case of "with this dog I thee wed" for a romantic animal lover who proposed to his girlfriend moments after they adopted a stray pooch.

Anthony Maidens (24) and Jessica Handby (23), of North Street, North Wingfield, had just agreed to home a Staffy cross-breed called Socks from Chesterfield's RSPCA centre when Antony popped the question.

Jessica siad: "He was really nervous and I turned round and he was on one knee proposing to me outside the RSPCA.

"Ant's the most loving, romantic and kind person I've ever met in my life and we love dogs so now we've got this brilliant per we've a complete family."

The couple, who have a five month-old baby daughter Mia, were also with Jessica's mum Lorraine Handby and sister Nicole Handby and Antony's mum Pam Maidens, when Antony took the plunge.

Chesterfield RSPCA centre manager Richard Woodwards said: "We were ever so pleased Socks is going to such a good home under such wonderfully romantic circumstances."

• Jessica Handley and Antony Maidens with Socks the engagment ring dog

Give me a home

26th February 2009

Lonely rottweiler Theo is looking for a home after spending months in the care of the RSPCA.

The four-year old, was admitted to the animal charity's Chesterfield kennels in June last year after his owners could no longer cope with him.

Jane Strauther (23), animal care assistant, at the centre on Spital Lane, said Theo was very affectionate and had a lovely nature.

"I think he sometimes gets overlooked because he is big dog," she said. "But he just loves being with people and it is such a shame he has been here so long."

• Homeless: RSPCA assistant Jane Stauther and Theo, who needs a family

**Theo has now been re-homed**

High & dry!

29th January 2009

Animal lovers are being invited to take a gander at one of the RSPCA's latest guests.

Goosey was plucked from an icy cold waterway with hypothermia and is now making a good recovery at the charity's animal centre.

But it will never be a case of water off a duck's back for the goose because he soaks up rain like a sponge and needs a dry home.

Centre manager Richard Woodwards said: "Goosey is a lively character but we've discovered his preening gland, which coats feathers in oil, doesn't work so he has to be kept dry."

Goosey was found soaked at Staveley Canal and nursed back to health with a heat lamp but during his recovery staff discovered he is not waterproof and cannot be let back to the wild.

• Gimme shelter: Goosey with Richard Woodwards, animal centre manager, and Julie Ludlam, animal care assistant

**Goosey has now been re-homed**