Name: Janet Bradley Location: Içmeler Nationality: British Vocation: Volunteer at Içmeler Dog Shelter. Main Aim of the Charity: Our work is to rescue any animal in need, not just dogs but also cats, ducks, horses, rabbits, in fact any animal that comes our way. We also have a trap and neuter programme for the many street cats in Içmeler. So Janet, can you let us all know a little bit about what do you do in Içmeler? In 2007/8 I became involved in ‘Marmaris Animal Welfare’ as a volunteer. In April 2010 a dog shelter opened in Içmeler, so I along with Semin Biter (The president of Içmeler Animal Welfare) started working there as a volunteer. Over the years it has grown in size and we have built many extra kennels but there is still so much more that needs to be done. We are presently housing around 60 dogs and puppies, this number increases in the winter months as many more dogs are abandoned. We arrange food, vet care, and ensure that the dogs have suitable shelter for the cold winter months. It is difficult in the winter months as we have no mains electric so we have to do as much as we can during daylight hours. We also ensure that the dogs are walked as often as we can. During the summer months we have many holiday makers who generously give up their time to walk the dogs. The dogs love the attention they get and are all very well behaved! How do you raise money?: We have a facebook page, Içmeler Animal Welfare, the members of which send money via paypal to help towards the food and ever mounting vets bills. Many of the visitors to Içmeler donate clothing, jewelry, towels, cosmetics shoes, books, dvds, which they no longer need at the end of their holidays. We then hold table top sales throughout the summer season where the goods are sold, which brings in much needed cash for the upkeep of all the animals. We also have some members and friends from UK who use the Thomas Cook free 10k baggage allowance for charities and bring us lots of collars, leads, frontline, flea treatments and most welcome dog treats. What is the main thing that the donations go towards?: Many of the animals that we take into our shelter need immediate vet care so there are always vets bills to be paid. All the dogs in our care are neutered which again is an expensive outlay. On top of that we have to buy food for the dogs, and the many street cats that we feed at various feeding stations throughout Içmeler. We are constantly repairing the kennels and ensuring that there is a constant supply of drinking water for the dogs. We have recently purchased a freezer through kind donations from our members and friends. We have some very generous hoteliers who save all their leftover food for us to collect which we can then store for the winter months. Unfortunately we have to go through all the donated food by hand to remove, tissues, plastic , bones and other unwanted bits and pieces. Not a pleasant job, but very necessary for the well being of the dogs. Do the Animals stay in the shelter for life?: We hope that they will all find forever homes, however obviously some do not. It is very upsetting, but on the up side of this some of the animals do get adopted. Over the last 3 years we have been very lucky that 16 dogs have gone to the UK and Europe after being adopted by members who came to visit the kennels. They take the dogs walking during their holidays and simply fall in love!!! It’s so heartwarming when the members send me videos and photographs of the dogs enjoying their new lives in other parts of the world. I wish it would happen much more often as there as so many dogs here in the shelter that need a loving forever home. Where can people find out more info on the cause?: Via our facebook page ‘Içmeler Animal Welfare’. It has been very effective in raising awareness of the registered charity. We have over 1500 members from here in Turkey, the UK and Europe. We always welcome new members who can join our page for information, events we are holding, the adoption process, volunteering and of course pictures of our beautiful animals. And finally, on a personal note, what made you move to Içmeler?: I moved to Turkey in 2005, for no specific reason except that I wanted a bit of adventure and ended up staying longer than expected due to the charity work with the animals. I didn’t anticipate doing this type of work, but I suppose I have found my calling. My dogs mean a lot to me and all have their own personal names. It will be hard to walk away from it all, but I do miss my family and eventually I will return to the UK. Meanwhile I intend to carry on and make sure the animals get the best lives I can give them.
2 Comments
Denise Fisher
12/9/2015 02:38:37 pm
The interview reflects a good insight to IAW which is now supported by many of us round the globe. It has been the huge committment from Janet over the years and Semin that has resulted in many animals being saved from a sad ending. I help where I can whilst on holiday along with many others doing the same, but its the winter months I think of IAW as they still need ongoing financial support. I hope we all can remember our four legged friends in Icelemer as we go through the winter and donate where we can, no contribution is too small. Thankyou Janet for all the love and welfare you give to any animal in need. See you in May.
Reply
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
Louise BellWelcome to my world... Archives
December 2021
Categories
All
|