Faye Taylor from the north of England recently volunteered to work at PAWS refuge, on behalf of Ibizhan Hound Rescue. This is the story of her trip.
My trip to Paws.
I had discovered PAWS through a website, Sighthound Welfare, asking for volunteers. I love dogs and couldn’t wait to go. After enquiring, I booked my flight with Monarch, for the 27th June in February! Unfortunately I could only go for a week due to work commitments, but will have to go for longer next time as this is no where near enough time.
I arrived in Almeria at 10.30 and Valarie one of the ladies from Paws was there to meet me. She took me shopping on the way back to get stocked up. As soon as I got to the gates, I was greeted my Mona, whose tail never stopped wagging the whole time I was there! She and Morris, an old pointer, about 12 who had been thrown from a car outside the shelter (Bastards!!) were the dogs that lived in the compound around the caravan – and to whom I went to spend every night there with!
I quickly put my food in the fridge and went up to the office, unpacking could wait till later! The staff were really friendly and it was a nice environment. As I was shown around, I couldn’t believe how many dogs were there, it was unbelievable! The main thing I did notice was…. They all looked happy! They were not in small kennels with no exercise, they were running about with their friends, playing and having a good time.
I was shown the quarantine area last and there was a galgo in that was found tied to a car bumper the previous day. He was in such a poor state, cuts all over him and mange and looked so sad. Again, what sick bastard can let this happen?!? I would love to get my hands on them! Over the next few days I gave Wesley a few baths to try and easy the itching and have recently seen some pics on the PAWS website and it looks like he coming on well. On the first morning I was there 2 other little ones were tied to the gate and again on my last day 2 others. Fortunately theses were in ok condition.
I followed Janice around on her afternoon shift so I could get used to what needed to be done. I would be helping clean the kennels out, feed and water the dogs and make everything was ok. I did this for a couple of day until I new the dogs and who needed what.
On my first day off, I couldn’t just sit around, so walked a few dogs in the morning, played with a few to get them socialised and then helped in the vet clinic on the afternoon. Which was great and I fully enjoyed. Then groomed a few dogs in the last part of the day. I took a lot of chew across for the dogs and it killed me that some of them didn’t have a clue what they were or what to do with them L
I could go on to tell you about all the dogs in there and what they are like but it would probably go on for 20 pages, along with my 300 photos! So here’s just a few as I think photos speak louder than words.
These 2 were always there in the morning to greet me.
I was the only volunteer there at the time, but never felt lonely. The caravan I stayed in had everything I would need, from cooking utensils to air con. I would spend my time sitting outside at night with Mona and Morris. Watching Mona chase the birds ect.
One night I had a present…. Morris brought me a lizard – well half a lizard! Sometimes I would put my bikini on and try and catch the last bit of sun…. but Mona had other ideas and wanted to play.
There are so many terrible things that have happened to the dogs there, it really hurts me to think what they have been through. Yet through it all, they still wag their tails, lick you hands and are happy to see you. I can’t wait to go back, but will defiantly stay for longer next time.
For anyone who wants to help, this is a brilliant opportunity.