Time to give thought to buying a dog

Margaret Green Animal Rescue has recently opened an enrichment garden for rescue dogs at their Lincoln Farm Rescue Centre.

The area, equipped with water features, a sand pit, a bamboo forest and foliage, was designed to allow these dogs – many of whom have endured much in their short lives – to finally flourish through play, relaxation and a greater confidence in the outside world.

By giving these dogs an open space to explore, they can be bestowed a much needed divergence from the austere environments which many of them have withstood.

The results have been clear; the garden has brought great joy to canines and volunteers alike.

The initiative’s pioneer, Glynis Bartlett, describes the experience as “rewarding,” primarily at already being able to witness its positive effects.

Nonetheless, the UK sees 5,000 dogs a year be abandoned by their owners.

Such a large figure is undoubtedly due to owners being uninterested in their dogs or incapable of giving the required care. Subsequently, they end up – often through being found as opposed to being donated – in rescue centres.

It goes without saying that one must greatly consider the implications of acquiring a dog; else we can only expect such a figure to sustain or increase.

As disheartening as an initiative such as this may be in the first place, it demonstrates just the ideas which can better improve the lives of rescue dogs.