Monday 3 November 2014

Algernon Trust Christmas Appeal 2014

The Algernon Trust in Whittlebury near Towcester, is appealing for people to remember the animals at the sanctuary this Christmas.

Christmas is a tough time, everyone is short of funds & this time of year seems an increase in the animals needing our help - we receive no funding for our work & rely on fundraising work & donations

The Animal Sanctuary was set up over twenty years ago when the founder Jane Shepherd moved to Whittlebury near Towcester. For the first eleven years it was a purely private enterprise paid for entirely out of her own pocket.
As the Sanctuary grew over the years, and having exhausted all of Jane's personal finances, the Algernon Trust was established in 2001 as a non-profit organisation in order to raise funds to keep the sanctuary going. Today the Sanctuary is well known and respected. It has achieved registered charitable status and has been entered into the Register of Charities with the Registered Charity Number 1151827.
In 1991 Jane arrived with just five feral cats, one fox and one rabbit. Today there are usually at least sixty cats, more than twenty dogs, plus foxes and assorted poultry in the Trust's care. 

The Trust re-homes cats and dogs where possible but many of the cats Jane takes in are sick and/or elderly who need to remain at the Sanctuary for the rest of their days. Currently there are over twenty residents. The Trust has become as much a hospice and retirement home for cats as a re-homing centre, and caring for sick and elderly feline friends puts an enormous strain on the Trust's finances. The Trust has a permanent fostering scheme for elderly cats under which all vet bills are covered and food and cat litter can be provided to people wishing to provide a comfortable, loving home to an old cat.

Animals are taken in from a wide area not just from Northamptonshire and adjacent counties but from all over the country.  Jane has no age restriction and has taken in cats over 20 years old.  All animals are neutered, vaccinated and micro chipped before being rehomed, all at the expense of the Algernon Trust.

The Trust only has 4 kennels, all donated, plus the old ferret pen for emergencies.  Foster homes are relied on to provide temporary care for dogs and cats awaiting adoption. Sometimes it is necessary to keep dogs at private boarding kennels to ensure they are not put to sleep when the Sanctuary is full.  The kennels are paid for by the Trust.  Foster carers make a huge difference, not only does this reduce the cost of boarding kennels but it enables the dogs to live in a home environment until such time that they find their permanent homes. Fosterers provide love and food for the animals and the Trust provides support and covers vets bills.

  
The Trust has to fund supplies for the day to day needs of the animals in its care along with vets bills & kennel costs as they arise and has to rely on membership and donations & people who support the charity by fundraising

Collars; leads; pet stockings; cozy blankets; treats; sturdy toys; food will all make great gifts for the animals & as ever all donations are greatly appreciated.  Donations can be handed in or sent directly to the Trust in Whittlebury or made through Amazon, which will be delivered directly to the Trust’ door, www.amazon.co.uk/registry/wishlist/3D7XY9TZZBEJK

Financial donations don't have to be large amounts, every little helps, lots of members send small regular amounts & these really help the work of the trust, Regular standing orders for £1 or £2 are very much appreciated and can be sent to The Algernon Trust Bank; Sort Code: 40-44-26; Account No: 01213636 or by paypal to donate@algernontrust.org.uk

You can also donate £5 by text, texting BOWE50 £5 to 70070 - or any amount you wish!

We are running a shoebox appeal & asking people to fill a shoebox for the animals for Christmas, your shoebox can be for dogs, cats or both & will be shared out between the animals at the Sanctuary, the dogs in boarding kennels & the animals in foster - if your box is for a specific animal then please mark their name clearly on your box.

We are asking for people to act as a collection point for donations & shoeboxes for the Christmas appeal, if you would be happy to act as a collection point then please do let us know by email to lisa.kershaw@algernontrust.org.uk

Instead of sending Christmas cards, add your family Christmas message on our blog & help us raise funds at the same time!  Send your donation by paypal to donate@algernontrust.org.uk along with your message & a picture if you wish! The blog will be published early December



You can follow the Christmas Appeal by searching on Facebook for the event ‘Algernon Trust Christmas Appeal’ and on our Just Giving Page at www.justgiving.com/algyxmas14

Collection Points for Donations & Shoeboxes

Nicola - 1 Belle Baulk Towcester NN12 6YH 01327 354504 or 07825 700490
Nicola - Towcester Vehicle Services School Road Pattishall NN12 8NE 01327 830647 or 07825 700490
Caz - NN4 - 07906441152
Sue - OX16 (Easington area) 07901219219
Greenpeace Kennels - Spalding, PE12 6SA
Jacqui - NN11 - 07970 536003
Terri - Inkantations Tattoo Studio - 11a Sponne Shopping Centre, Watling Street, Towcester  NN12 6BY - 01327 358700
Annie - Wolverton, Milton Keynes, MK12 5AN, 01908 321428 or 07519 5610896
Stephanie  NN11 4TH Southbrook area of Daventry - 07930581347
The Bell Inn, 103 High St, Brackley. NN13 7BN the phone number is 01280 702489 (this is an answerphone)
Gary Watling Travis Perkins, Buckingham MK18 1TG, phone number is 01280 816029 (ask for Gary)Bev Millward, Shenley Lodge, MK5 7EW - 07793637700

Sunday 2 November 2014

Dogs & Puppies Looking For Homes (November 2014)

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN ADOPTING ANY OF THESE DOGS, PLEASE CONTACT JANE ON 07977 555238 OR EMAIL LISA.KERSHAW@ALGERNONTRUST.ORG.UK


Please note that all adoptions are subject to a home check and an adoption fee







TIA


Cute Tia is a fox terrier cross, 2 years old.  Tia had an awful start to her life, taken very young from her mom she went to live with people who mistreated her.  She came into the care of the trust at just 10 weeks old, nervous of everything & everyone.   




Tia responded well to a kind home & positive training methods helped her to flourish & grow her confidence.  Signs of her early life still show from time to time, although Tia is a happy & friendly dog with people & situations she knows well she still is nervous around strangers & needs an experienced home who have the confidence to continue her training & help her grow her confidence further.  Tia is incredibly loyal, a very intelligent dog, eager to please & learns new things quickly.  She knows basic commands, sit, down, stay, wait, walks reasonably well on a lead & has good recall off lead, she can however be easily distracted so she is generally not let off lead when there are other people or dogs around who she doesnt know.  She is ok with other dogs she knows but isnt keen on bouncy dogs or dogs who bark at her.  

Tia is currently living with another dog of a similar age who has her own issues & although they both like each other generally, they have always been boisterous together, this was manageable until a serious fight a few months ago which resulted in Tia needing stitches, this has altered the relationship between the two dogs & despite professional behaviour support, neither dog are able to further progress with their individual issues as their issues together are preventing this, Tia has started to become more territorial & both dogs are unhappy in an environment where everyonehumans & dogs alike, fear a further fight.  It is therefore sadly accepted that it is unfair for either dog to continue living together & that Tia would be suited to an experienced home with no other dogs to complicate things for her.  Both dogs are taken out in public to socialise them but as with many things, their issues between each other can get in the way.  Last year Tia enjoyed a holiday with her family during which time she was able to overcome her fear of water & learn to swim which she would love the opportunity to do again!  Tia is ok travelling in the car although she does get car sick. 

Tia is used to having someone at home most of the time but she isnt a needy dog & settles well on her own if left in her crate, which she also sleeps in at night, she will also benefit from being able to have toys to stimulate her which currently she can only play with toys in one to one sessions with one of her humans as toys cause fights between the two dogs.  She looks forward to her daily walk whatever the weather & in hot weather she loves to get in the field early enough to run through long grass whilst the dew is on it!

Tia couldnt be trusted with cats or small furries, she once chased a hare across a field so is tended not to be let off lead in areas where they are known to appear!  Tia hasnt lived with children, due to her nervousness & unpredictable behaviour when she is uncomfortable she is looking for a home with adults only who are experienced & confident to help her flourish further & overcome more of her fears.

Here is a video clip of Tia https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzkCFd72LUI&feature=youtu.be

Adoption subject to homecheck & adoption fee.





Ruby (RUBY'S FAMILY HAVE BEEN ABLE TO NEGOTIATE WITH THEIR NEW LANDLORD FOR HER TO MOVE WITH THEM!)

Ruby is looking for a new home as her family are moving home & are unable to take her with them. She's 5 years old and doesn't get on with other dogs or cats, but she is fab with children of all ages & loves people. She is very energetic and enjoys long runs with a bicycle or running.  She enjoys running and fetching a KONG. Tennis balls do not last long with her. She is able to be alone easily without destroying anything. Adoption subject to homecheck & adoption fee.








Carly

I’m Carly and I'm around 2 years old, I like other dogs and dont chase cats,  I am looking for an experienced loving home where I can further my training with someone who knows how to show me. I could live with a calm dog & I need a home with no children please.  Adoption subject to home check & adoption fee


 




 



Bertie (REHOMED)

Bertie is an 18 month old Beagle, looking for a new home. He is good with children, cats and other dogs, is currently living with children & a cat. He is a bit shy when he first meets someone but soon comes out of his shell. He has been in our care for a few months, receiving basic training along with house training & is now ready for his forever home, he would like an active home where his training can be furthered. Adoption subject to homecheck and adoption fee.






Marcus 

Marcus is a 3 year old Staffie cross, who is delightful and very well behaved. 
He likes to have lots of fuss and loves to play with other dogs, preferring females. He would love a home where he gets lots of attention and exercise.  He is lucky enough to be staying in a foster home in Leicestershire. Here is a video clip of Marcus http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7f_sJ-FIbo Adoption subject to home check and adoption fee.  











 
 
 TYLER (REHOMED)

3 year old Tyler is very loving, very content with people and dog friendly, he cant live with cats. Tyler walks well on lead, no pulling, quiet in the car, likes a shower, loves a walk. Very kiss n cuddle type dog. Tyler has been staying with older children & needs a home where he wont be left alone for too long. A real stunner! Adoption subject to home check & adoption fee.
    






BOWE

Adorable Bowe is a Collie cross Dalmation. At 8 years old, he is very playful & would benefit from an active home. He is incredibly friendly & loves his ball! He has previously had bad experiences with children so is looking for a home without children. He has not lived with other dogs, although is said to be playful with those who pass his kennel, he is not assessed with cats. Bowe is currently staying at the Sanctuary. You can see a short video of Bowe at HTTP://YOUTU.BE/DDE6_CBW7IE AND http://youtu.be/UAEwRT5P1mw Adoption subject to homecheck & adoption fee 








Billy

4 year old Billy is a lovely, friendly chap, he pulls on the lead but knows basic commands and is very well behaved. He seems to be ok with other dogs and isn’t known with cats. He is looking for a foster or forever home & is currently staying in kennels.  Here is a short video clip of Billy http://youtu.be/O0QT1WGs-Ak & .http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZ39JtAsKB0
Adoption subject to homecheck & adoption fee.









Izzy 


Izzy is a very sweet 2 year old Staffie who has come into our care from the pound having been saved from being put to sleep. She is a lively playful girl and does need some work on her training. She doesnt take much notice of other dogs around her & we dont know if she likes cats. She is currently staying in kennels near Spalding, but urgently needs a foster home or permanent home. You can see a video clip of Izzie http://youtu.be/vlNB5032Qbc Adoption subject to home check and adoption fee.







Skipper

Skipper is thought to be around 3 years old and is a very affectionate Staffie. He has had a rough time judging by the sores and bald patches that were on him when he first arrived into our care. Remarkably he is still an incredibly loving little dog. He is good with people and other dogs but probably not cats. Ideally he would prefer to be the only animal. He is currently staying in a foster home in Northamptonshire where he has progressed hugely both physically and behaviourally & he is now ready to find a forever home to call his own. Adoption subject to home check and adoption fee.












 

Luke

Luke is approx 2 years old Blue Brindle Staffie cross male. He is friendly and good with other dogs & has been ok with the cats at the Sanctuary. Luke does need some work on his training and needs to live with a confident dog or only dog. Luke is currently staying in kennels. He is looking for a foster or forever home. 
A video clip of Luke is available http://youtu.be/QDPZdsLItIw Adoption subject to home check and adoption fee



Casper


Casper was an unclaimed stray in the pound who was saved from being put to sleep. He is a 3-4 year old male Staffie cross.. He is friendly and said to be good with other dogs but not cats. Casper needs a home with someone who is prepared to work on his training. He is a very friendly chap and good with commands and very gentle taking treats . Casper is calm and overall a happy chappy .He is currently staying in kennels. You can see a video of Casper http://youtu.be/YenR0MCqV5E  Adoption subject to home check and adoption fee.  








                                   

Sasha

7 Year old Sasha is quite a timid little girl, think she is a cat and sits on the window looking out when you are out!! She walks beautifully on the lead, not bothered by other dogs no matter how aggressive just walks past ignores them, she is a little overwhelmed by very bouncy dogs. Very loving and kind, We dont know if she is ok with cats & she can be homed with older children only. Adoption subject to homecheck & adoption fee.









Dolly
Sweet Dolly is about 3 yrs old; spayed, vaccinated, chipped. Lovely sweet and affectionate Staffie Cross, seems fine with other dogs but not trusted with cats. She does need a calm environment with no children or other pets where she can readjust to family life with someone who is willing to work with her on her training. She is very agile and would make an excellent agility dog or would enjoy playing flyball. Dolly adores playing anything with a ball! Here is a short video of Dolly http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdmRyQZWceg
You can also see Dolly's special visitor http://finddollyahome.weebly.com/blog/session-1
 Dolly is currently staying at the Sanctuary. Adoption subject to homecheck & adoption fee. 





Toby (right) chilling with his foster budd
Toby (REHOMED)



Cheeky Toby is 2 years old, he was an unclaimed stray in the pound and although his owners were located and aware of Toby's whereabouts they did not claim him. Toby is a very friendly & affectionate boy, good with children and seems to be ok with other dogs he’s met. He has lived with cats but would need to be a confident cat for him to live with. Toby needs an experienced home where his training can be furthered. Toby is staying at the Sanctuary. Toby came into our care with a skin condition that is currently receiving treatment & very much improved. Adoption subject to home check and adoption fee







Duchess

Duchess and Julie arrived at the Sanctuary together after they were found trying to survive on the streets of Romania, Duchess is the elderly momma about 8 yrs old and she had her 6 month old pup with her. Duchess is settling very well into UK life & enjoyed her visits from the volunteers who came to walk her whilst she was at the Sanctuary, Duchess is now staying in a foster home in Milton Keynes.  Adoption subject to homecheck & adotpion fee




Bodie 

Bodie is a male Collie Cross born in June 2013. He is a typical young lad and has lots of energy and loves playing with his toys. He is being fostered in a multi cat and dog household near Daventry. He is food possessive with other dogs and needs to be fed at one end of the kitchen. He adores people but gets over excited when greeting them and does jump around like a jack-in-the-box and 'air nips', so for this reason is unsuitable to be homed with children younger than teenagers used to dogs. He has been to training classes and likes to show off his skills! He does not chew or destroy things except his toys. He is good with other dogs, except during his class! Adoption subject to home check and adoption fee. 

 



Tirry




TIRRY (RIGHT)

Tirry


Tirry is around 7 years old and came into our care after being rescued from the streets of Romania She is a very loving dog who just wants to be cuddled and touched. Attention for her is everything be it good or bad. She isn't aggressive to people, but does jump up, so can't be homed with little people under the age of 8. She is living with another dog in her foster home, but he is very submissive and just wants to play. She can be aggressive with other dogs when out walking, in Romania she would have had to fight for her place and it is likely that is what she is trying to do here. She would be better more suited in a home as an only dog, or with a male that would be submissive/no threat to her. She is about to start some socialisation classes to help her with this issue. She is not at all bothered by cats and is generally just interested in food!
Tirry has sustained an injury to her back legs at some point before she came to the UK, she has had some hair loss, likely through the stress of her travel & therefore the scars can be seen, it does not seem to trouble her in any way.
Out and about Tirry is really good on the lead. She'll just trot quite happily beside or just in front of you. Tirry is currently staying in a foster home near Banbury while she finds her permanent home. Adoption subject to home check and adoption fee.




Phoebe

Phoebe is a loving girl, around 2 years old she was saved from being put to sleep in the pound, she is incredibly timid & needs an experienced home with no other animals or children where her confidence can be increased.  Adoption subject to homecheck & adoption fee.







Harriet


Harriet, thought to be around 9, was found in such a terrible condition trying to survive in her cardboard box. She had lost hair and it was cold with snow. Her teeth were terrible. She looked like she had given up when first found. It took time to gain her trust & get her to Bucharest and she has had 2 months getting treatment for mange. She is now spayed, vaccinated & microchipped & travelled to the UK in April, her confidence is slowly increasing & she is learning from the other dogs around her, however she does need a lot of work in building her trust. Adoption subject to homecheck & adoption fee.






Julie

Duchess and Julie arrived at the Sanctuary together after they were found trying to survive on the streets of Romania, Duchess is the elderly momma about 8 yrs old and she had her 6 month old pup with her. Duchess is settling very well into UK life & enjoys her visits from the volunteers who come to walk her. Julie is still incredibly nervous & fearful she is very lucky to be staying in a foster home with an experienced dog handler who is giving her the one to one support she needs to have the best chance at adapting to home life. JULIE IS NOT YET READY FOR HER FOREVER HOME