Gables Dogs and Cats Home have taken in 25 puppies and dogs from a terrible situation where they had no food, water or shelter from freezing conditions.

A few months ago on a bitterly cold Saturday morning Gables were called to help remove these poor dogs. Deputy Manager Ruth Rickard and General Manager Claire Sparkes jumped in their vehicles and made the 90 mile trip. On arrival they were horrified to see the living conditions these vulnerable creatures were having to endure but they started to get them out one by one.

Gables took as many as they could consisting of 9 young puppies that were around 8-12 weeks old, a 6 month old puppy with terribly matted, sore and infected skin and 3 mothers each with litters of puppies.

When they arrived back at Gables the wonderful staff had stayed late to help unload all the dogs and get them tucked up for the night with plenty of food, clean warm bedding and heating. The 3 mothers and litters of puppies went home with Ruth to her on site bungalow so she could provide nursing care throughout the night in a warm calm environment. One tiny puppy appeared to have lost the will to live and was rushed to the vets to have some warm fluids injected under the skin. It was quickly established that the mothers were too stressed to care for their puppies and 2 weedy ones kept being trampled so Ruth had to remove them to start hand rearing them and give them a fighting chance at survival. After 3 weeks of round the clock care and love these puppies and their mothers are doing really well thanks to the dedication of the Gables team but they now need your help.

Claire and Ruth has this to say Although the conditions were shocking to see we are grateful that we could help. The journey home was very emotional as we processed what we had witnessed but we are determined to change the lives of these poor dogs. The hardest part was leaving some behind but we knew other rescue centres were taking in the rest.

It is estimated it will cost Gables £6,000 for all the intensive care, neutering, other surgery needed such as hernia repairs, skin infection treatment and basic care such as vaccinations, flea and worm treatments.

Gables Dogs & Cats Home does not receive any government funding and has felt the financial strain from the cost of living crisis, but they are determined to help these vulnerable dogs and puppies.