Dog and Cat Home launches Christmas appeal

Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home is a charity that works to rescue, reunite and rehome stray, lost and abandoned dogs and cats throughout the East and Central Scotland.
Jackson says: "Go check out our Christmas appeal!"Jackson says: "Go check out our Christmas appeal!"
Jackson says: "Go check out our Christmas appeal!"

The Home also supports pet owners in the community through its pet food bank, Paws Pantry. They work with 52 foodbank hubs across the country, providing care packages of pet food and other essentials to those in financial difficulty, with the aim of keeping animals in loving homes.

Through its education programme, the Home strives to educate the public about responsible pet ownership through talks, workshops, training and events ensuring that the community are well equipped with the information they need to provide for their dog or cat.

It costs around £2 million every year to run Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home’s essential services. They rely almost entirely on public donations, partnerships, events and charitable trusts to keep their services running.

Dixie says: "Go check out our Christmas appeal!"Dixie says: "Go check out our Christmas appeal!"
Dixie says: "Go check out our Christmas appeal!"

A tough year at the Home

By October this year the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home had already rescued more than 120 dogs and 50 cats – many needing intensive surgical treatment, aftercare, training and a whole lot of love and care.

“Some have ended up with us because of heart-breaking decisions, others because of abandonment, but one thing is certain – we are their only chance, and our work is only possible with your support,” said Wendy Mullen, Kennel Manager.

Helping dogs like Dixie and Jackson

They won't be lonely this Christmas!They won't be lonely this Christmas!
They won't be lonely this Christmas!

On December 18th last year an owner walked through the doors of the Home with two beautiful, but terrified and underweight dogs called Dixie and Jackson.

Wendy picks up the story: “They were just two years old and deemed to be litter mates, surrendered on the basis they were struggling to get along with another pet in the home. They were both very wary of strangers, and we knew we would have to work closely with them to get them used to people and other dogs,” she said.

Both of them were assessed by the vet and given vaccinations, worming and parasite treatment – and it was at this point they discovered Dixie was pregnant.

“During their time with us, we spent each day preparing Dixie, Jackson and their puppies for their new lives. Once trust was established, their confidence grew with people and other dogs too,” Wendy said.

But looking after a new mum and raising 5 puppies put huge pressure on the Home’s resources – especially as it was around Christmas.

“Suddenly we had five more mouths to feed, five more sets of vaccinations, five more spaying and neutering surgeries to pay for and most importantly, five more forever homes to find,” said Wendy.

Happy endings

But all the hard work and patience was worthwhile.

“As the puppies grew, they started to develop their own little personalities so when it came to naming them, the Mr Men and Little Miss characters seemed perfect. They all definitely suited their names, although later on, Little Miss Shy became more of a Little Miss Naughty!” said Wendy.

Wonderful homes were found for all the puppies, Dixie was spayed and Jackson neutered and in August 2021, eight months after being brought in, both were successfully rehomed together.

How you can help?

“This Christmas our work does not stop. Over the coming weeks, our dedicated team is gearing up for another busy season of surrenders, reunions and rehoming,” said Wendy. “Pets like Dixie, Jackson, and their puppies won’t be alone this Christmas. While many more are not so lucky, we will do whatever it takes to reach, rescue ,reunite and rehome as many as we possibly can in 2022.”

To help more animals like Dixie and Jackson from feeling lonely this Christmas please consider making a donation, or signing up to become a regular giver through the appeal.

To donate please visit https://edch.org.uk/Christmas.

Or text DIXIE to 70450 to donate £10. (texts cost the donation amount plus one standard rate message and you’ll be opting in to hear more from Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home. If you would like to donate but don’t wish to hear more from them, please text DIXIENOINFO to 70450.

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