Every year our Esker staff take time out of their busy schedules to give something back to the local community by volunteering for a local charity. We’re an office of pet-lovers here at Esker so when one of our account managers found a nearby dog rescue centre needing help, there was no shortage of volunteers.
Just for Dogs was founded in 1997 to rescue and re-home abandoned dogs. To date they’ve rescued over 6,000 dogs and provide a safe and caring environment at the centre whilst helping find forever homes.
A sunny Autumn morning saw 5 of the Esker ladies welcomed at the centre, located near Ashbourne, and put straight to work! First on the list was a clean of the kennels. Each dog (or pair of dogs) has an indoor and outdoor area so they can go in and out as they please through a dog flap. The site is also fortunate in having several large outdoor pens and enclosed paddocks – so on the days that dog walkers are in short supply, the dogs can still get out and have a good run around.
Once all the kennels were clean it was finally time to get to know some of the four-legged friends! Taking one (very excitable) dog each, we all stretched our legs across the seemingly-endless acres of fields that back onto the centre. The dogs revelled in being out in the sunshine, interacting with one and another and ourselves, and discovering the sounds and smells of the countryside.
Back at base we had time for a quick chat with the owner, Margaret, who explained more about the centre’s teams and their continual demand for funding and supplies. Having dedicated the past 21 years of her life to the charity, she continues in her passion in caring for dogs big and small and maintaining this great charity.
It was our pleasure at Esker to give our time to the charity – and we hope to continue supporting them in the future with further time and resource donations. Just for dogs are always welcoming of new volunteers and dog walkers – please do get in touch if you could help too.
