Since we launched our Big Bark Appeal in 2019 so much has changed. The pandemic severely curtailed our fundraising efforts and now with rising inflation and soaring costs, our focus has to continue to be on ensuring the sustainability of the Rescue Centre so we can continue to help as many animals as possible.
Due to the events of the last three years it has become clear that unfortunately, we are simply not going to be able to afford the project we first envisioned for a whole new kennel block. With material costs rocketing, the build based on the original plans would now cost approximately £1.6M. In addition, there would be a substantial increase in the running costs associated with a larger kennel building. For these reasons, we have to be realistic about what we can now achieve.
Rather than a complete rebuild we are now looking at a substantial refurbishment of our existing kennels. We feel this is a sensible decision given the uncertainty of the economic climate in which we all find ourselves. We are having discussions with our architects to establish the details of what we will be able to achieve and once we have a firmer plan in place we will get in touch with you – and we will of course keep you updated at every stage.
All our supporters who have donated to our Big Bark Appeal has been written to or emailed to consult with them about these changes to our plans – and we will of course keep everyone updated at every stage. If supporters agree to it their original donations to the Big Bark will be put towards our kennel refurbishment, and we will refund any donations to anyone who requests this.
Thank you so much again for your wonderful support, which ensures that homeless dogs for many years to come will have somewhere safe and warm to stay while waiting for their forever home.
Hi! I’m Little Mo and I have a really important job here at the Animals in Distress rescue centre!
I came here when I was just two weeks old because I was very poorly and I’d been rejected by my mum and siblings. I’m almost blind, but feeling much happier now, thanks to the amazing care I received. I want to give something back, so I’ve become an Ambassadog for the Charity.
I’ve had a good sniff around the kennels here, and they are old and outdated. They’re not very warm and seem quite noisy and scary.
Recently, the wind and rain have been really bad, and there’s nowhere in the warm and dry to exercise or train pups like me – and that’s really important if we’re going to have the best chance at being rehomed.
I’ve decided I’m going to help the team raise funds for up to date, comfortable kennels, with indoor training facilities and quiet areas for dogs waiting for their forever home. Will you help me and the team raise £1 million to help pups like me?
