The Sixth George Town Girl Guides were surprised on Monday 8th May when puppies arrived!  Two of the directors, Paula Blane and Caroline Johnston from One Dog At a Time (ODAAT), visited their weekly meeting, held at St. Ignatius, to spread the word as to how the welfare organisation operates and why they are so passionate about rescuing animals! Puddles, Peanut and seven week old Krysta were in tow and the girls loved holding them!

After a PowerPoint presentation related to the organisation, how it raises money and the increasing number of dogs being rescued, Caroline Johnston answered a wide variety of interesting questions posed by the Guides. Caroline confirmed that so far this year, ODAAT have saved 70 dogs, more than the 69 dogs they saved in the whole of 2016. “Our organisation has been growing from strength to strength. When it started 4 years ago, we saved 4 dogs, in the following year 20, at the end of 2015 it was 27 dogs and now it looks like it will be a 100 by December of this year.” She added “The fantastic benefit of adopting from us, is that all are dogs are placed in foster homes, so we know exactly what they are like and how they would fit in with a family. Our fosters are amazing and they help shape the new life of a dog or puppy who were on death row. We are always looking for more foster homes, that will open their doors to a dog or puppy for a few weeks, even a weekend, to help us.”

Many of the guides enquired as to how they could help raise funds. “Any amount of money or goods donated to us are greatly appreciated. Whether it be collecting coins in a Smartie tube, organising a cake bake, or a larger fundraiser,  we are always pleased of any support.” said Paula Blane.

Several asked about how an adoption happens too and Caroline explained it was a simple process, with a meet and greet, a homecheck, a sleepover and then, in the majority of cases, an adoption. “For an adoption, we ask for a minimum donation of $100. Many people donate more as they are keen to cover the costs of food and equipment whilst the dogs were fostered, medical outlays covered by ODAAT  such as vaccinations and the  spay or neuter of their new pet, and they know they will save another dog’s life with the donation.”

The visit will contribute to the Sixth George Town Girl Guides gaining their Community Badge later in the year, and ODAAT are looking forward to visiting the girls to see the completion of the award!