Charity Awareness

Society and Living are delighted to award their highly prestigious and much coveted ‘Commitment to Excellence’ profile to Birch Hill Dog Rescue. This is awarded in recognition of their dedication to animal conservation and rehabilitation, as well as serving a reminder of the need for public donations for this most worthy of charities. Founded in 1996 by dog lover Jutta Patterson, Birch Hill Dog Rescue is a devoted dog charity that takes in any abandoned or mistreated canine in need from anywhere in the country. Located in Cleobury Mortimer, Jutta established the centre after realising just how many dogs, through no fault of their own, found themselves homeless. Originally only 10% of their work was dedicated to caring for rescue dogs from other charities, but in 2001 the rescue dogs took over and the kennels were converted into a dedicated rescue centre, eventually becoming a registered charity. The centre operates a non-destruction policy and never differentiates between the breeds that it takes in. Each day sees more and more mistreated or abandoned dogs arriving at Birch Hill, but with soaring monthly costs of kennel and veterinary care of over £6000 the hardworking staff there desperately need your help and support to provide the animals with the care they deserve. We rely on dogs for so many things- as blind dogs, sniffer
dogs, and for search and rescue- that it’s about time we repaid them. There are many ways in which you can help, from providing one of their dogs a home, or helping toward their care and kennel boarding costs. You can sponsor a dog from only £1 a week, although most people sponsor an average of £4 a week. The sponsorship can be gifted for a birthday or other special occasion. You can also make a monthly donation, leave a legacy in your Will, or make a donation on behalf of a loved one. If you’d prefer to have a more handson approach to the support, you could donate an hour of your time every week to help with ‘walkies’ at the centre. Birch Hill have also recently opened their own charity shop, located at 12 Reindeer Court, Worcester. Any donations of unwanted gifts, old clothes, or general bric-a-brac to the charity shop are greatly appreciated. Alongside their rescuing and re-homing efforts, Birch Hill also took to the road last summer with a number of awareness road shows, designed to make pet owners take responsibility with their dogs and ultimately encourage them to become loving and responsible owners. Birch Hill is hoping to repeat these shows in 2012. To find out more about you can support the dogs of Birch Hill Dog Rescue, or to make a donation, please call 01299 270 406, or visit www.birchhilldogrescue.org.uk