Animal Rescue with Marion Garnett

Dedicated animal expert Marion Garnett, founder of the Ealing Animal Welfare Bazaar, continues her column

NELLIE’S dilemma was clear. During the precious time she has out of her pen at the rehoming centre, she wants to spend it chasing tennis balls.

But, today, she could see there was a new paddling pool in her exercise paddock. Her problem was how could she chase balls and play in the pool at the same time.

Nellie’s a clever girl and, quick as a flash, she developed a routine whereby I threw the ball as far as I could and she brought it back via a trip through the paddling pool, dropping it, soaking wet at my feet. If I didn’t pick the ball up quickly enough to throw again, she would pick it up and drop it again as a prompt to get on with it.

I don’t know who enjoyed this routine more, me or her. If you want to inject some happiness into your life, you could do worse than volunteering with homeless dogs.

Nellie arrived at the National Animal Welfare Trust (NAWT) from a dog pound. With a strong chase instinct, she has to wear a muzzle when out and about.

If you think you could home this lovely lurcher who’s good at problem solving, you can meet her at the National Animal Welfare Trust, Tylers Way, Watford by Pass.

NAWT is delighted to have been shortlisted for the Change Project of the Year Category in this year’s Charity Times Awards. It has been shortlisted for being the first in the UK to implement the Open Paw training programme which aims to improve the rehoming prospects for dogs in their care. It’s because of the Open Paw programme that, when you go round the centre, you are encouraged to interact with the dogs by giving them food from the container outside their pen. Dogs, staff and volunteers undertake structured training in the Open Paw programme.

Besides paddling pools, NAWT has other tips to help pets this Summer including giving dogs frozen treats such as flavoured ice cubes and to remember that animals, such as pale-coloured dogs and cats, can be vulnerable to sunburn so to ask your vet about an appropriate sun block. It’s also important not to forget the welfare of rabbits and guinea pigs. For example, they need to be kept clean and checked twice daily to make sure they are free from fly strike.

COOL DOG: Nellie is enjoying the paddling pool