Charity Focus

Gables Dogs & Cats Home

Gables Dogs & Cats Home is a noneuthanasia rescue and rehoming centre that has been helping the region’s unwanted and abandoned dogs and cats since 1907. The charity takes in and cares for up to 1000 dogs and cats every year and either rehomes them, or re-unites them with their owners if they are lost. On a daily basis the Gables team cares for around 80 dogs and over 100 cats. The majority of the animals they help are unwanted pets, given up by their owners for numerous reasons. They take in unclaimed stray dogs from local councils, and stray and lost cats found wandering the streets - some in a very poor condition and in desperate need of help. They also take animals from the RSPCA that have sadly been neglected and abused by their owners or injured in road traffic accidents. Gables provides a temporary boarding service for local councils, taking care of dogs and cats for people in difficult situations, until their owners are in a position to reclaim them. Sometimes they are signed over to the charity’s care once it is established that the owner is unable to provide for them anymore. Most of the animals in their care are rehomed within a few weeks but some dogs and cats stay much longer than others. This can be due to them having a disability that requires specialist care, or due to their appearance, or just a case of them being overlooked, but more commonly it is because they have specialised behavioural needs that many people don’t have the time or experience to cope with. Some dogs and cats have not been socialised when they are young, so they develop defensive and inappropriate behaviours towards strangers and other animals. Others have experienced trauma, neglect or abuse in their past, which has knocked their confidence with people. It can take a long time to gain the trust of these animals to be able to rehabilitate them so they can start to enjoy life and look for a new home. Gables believes that there is a special someone out there for every dog and cat, it is just a case of finding them. A healthy animal is never put to sleep and the team never gives up hope of finding them a new loving home, no matter how long it takes or how much it costs! Gables rehomes animals all over Devon, Somerset, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. All their animals

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are health-checked by a vet, neutered, microchipped, vaccinated and treated for fleas and worms before going to a new home. Dogs are also assessed by a qualified dog behaviourist to establish what type of home they need. Gables relies totally on the generosity and support of the public through donations and legacies, as it doesn’t receive any government or other funding. The recent times have been strange and difficult for everyone and Gables has certainly faced some challenges. The coronavirus restrictions and lockdowns have limited its ability to offer vital boarding services and the usual fundraising activities have ceased, creating a massive £50,000 deficit. Despite the difficulties, Gables has been able to hold several successful virtual events and would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has got involved and supported them. Whether you took part in one dog show or every single one, bought five slices or a whole ginger cake, tried your luck in a raffle or simply spread the word, they appreciate your support and hope you had as much fun as they did! There are still many ways you can show your support and help the dogs and cats at Gables, such as taking part in online pet shows, buying homemade cakes, ordering from the Gables Amazon Wish List, sponsoring a dog or cat, setting up a regular standing order, organising your own fundraising events and much more… They are also always grateful for any donations - and wouldn’t survive without them. Gables has supermarket collection bins in stores around Tavistock and Plymouth, and welcomes any animal food donations (not bedding) or any of the following items: laundry washing powder; heavy-duty, large puppy pads; cardboard cat scratchers; cat scratching posts; wet cat food, particularly Felix or Whiskers (adult and kitten); wet dog food, particularly Chappie or Pedigree Chum; catnip toys & balls; dog toys, the stronger the better; Olbas oil. We understand this is a difficult time for everyone and really appreciate everything our amazing supporters do. For more information and other ways you can help and support Gables, please visit www.gablesfarm.org.uk and follow our social media channels.

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