Another busy festive period for Donegal Animals in Need

It was another busy Christmas for the AIN volunteers, exacerbated by several volunteers being out of action due to injury or sickness.

Although rehoming was closed over the festive period, all the foster animals still needed to be cared for and there were a number of emergency call outs and trips to the vets.

Just before Christmas, an AIN volunteer came across two loose donkeys on the road near Drumrooske Lower in Donegal Town.

Thankfully, following an appeal, the donkeys’ owner was traced, and the donkeys returned home safely.

There were several call outs to rescue stray dogs over the holidays, including a golden Labrador, who was found straying near the busy main road at Clar, Donegal Town, on Christmas Eve.

Once again, AIN managed to find the dog’s owner and reunite them in time for Christmas.

AIN would like to give a huge thank you to everyone who donated to their Santa Claus appeal for toys and gifts for the animals spending Christmas in foster care this year.

(Above: The foster dogs loved their Christmas presents)

There was a fantastic response from the public and the animals were delighted with their presents on Christmas morning.

An injured ginger and white kitten called Sprite was rescued in Letterkenny after he was found stuck in a hedge.

Sprite had a badly broken leg and x-rays at the vets revealed it was an old break and was beyond correction, so unfortunately Sprite had to have his front leg amputated.

The good news is that Sprite has made a fantastic recovery from surgery and has no problems getting around and playing with just the three legs.

He is a lovely little kitten and is now looking for his forever home.

In total, AIN rescued 425 cats and kittens during 2023, in what turned out to be yet another hectic year for the charity.

AIN would like to thank everyone who supported the charity during the year, whether that was by volunteering, fundraising, buying AIN’s 2024 calendar, supporting Santa Paws and the Christmas Draw, making donations, or shopping in the AIN Charity Shop in Donegal Town, which reopens on Tuesday, 9th January.

Every donation counts, whether big or small, and helps to pay for veterinary care, pet food, and shelter for hundreds of animals every year.

AIN’s main priorities are rehoming dogs from the Letterkenny Dog Shelter, rescuing and reuniting stray animals with their owners, helping abandoned and injured cats and dogs, and eventually finding loving, forever homes for them.

(Above: Injured kitten Sprite had to have his broken leg amputated)

If you are planning to add a new furry companion to your family, please consider a rescued animal.

All of AIN’s foster cats that are available for adoption are featured in the rehoming album on AIN’s Facebook page.

For further information on offering a home to a rescued dog, please message AIN on social media or contact the main helpline number.

AIN operates two helplines. For cats, the number is 087-7644420 and for dogs, contact 087-1356188.

Support with neutering cats and dogs is also available. Please contact the charity for further details.

Finally, if you are interested in taking a proactive approach to dealing with the current crisis situation regarding unwanted dogs and cats in Donegal and think that 2024 is the year you would like to get more involved, whether that be by fostering, volunteering or fundraising, new volunteers are always very welcome, so please get in touch.

Wishing you all a Happy New Year from the volunteers and rescued dogs and cats at Animals In Need (AIN).

To help AIN’s animals, please donate €2 to AIN’s ‘Help Us To Help Them’ fundraising appeal via your phone by texting the word ‘KITTEN’ to 50300. Every cent goes directly to the rescued animals for their food, bedding, vet bills, worming treatment and vaccinations.

For further information on adoption, fostering, volunteering etc, please contact the main helpline on 087 1356188. For cat/kitten enquiries please call 087 7644420. Animals In Need Donegal is also on Facebook and has a website at http://www.animalsinneeddonegal.com.