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Battersea hounds’ plea for help from Berkshire volunteers

Animal lovers are being called to Battersea Dogs & Cats Home Old Windsor to join the rescue centre’s team of inspiring volunteers who make a huge difference to hundreds of dogs’ lives.

The animal charity is appealing to Berkshire residents to help the Home’s staff socialise with canine residents in their kennels, teach basic commands and walk dogs around the centre’s beautiful surrounding countryside. People with experience in handling dogs, who can commit to one four-hour shift on the same day each week or at the same time every weekend, can join a team of more than 900 volunteers, which has grown by almost 15 per cent in the last year.

Yvonne Smedley, Battersea Old Windsor’s Volunteer Coordinator, said: “Battersea Dogs & Cats Home wouldn’t be able to help thousands of stray and abandoned animals every year without the dedicated work of all our volunteers carrying out a wide variety of roles.

“These volunteer positions provide wonderful opportunities for real animal lovers who have a strong interest in canine behaviour to work with a range of different dogs. They will provide essential support to our kennel staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to provide our dogs with the care they need. Some of our residents find it difficult to cope with the unfamiliar surroundings of the Home and our kennel socialisers play a vital part in reducing dogs’ stress levels and making their kennel a friendly place to be.”

To learn more about volunteering at Battersea and speak to members of staff and current volunteers, come along to the annual Old Windsor Fun Day on Saturday 6 July when there will be dazzling dog displays, fun-filled activities and entertainment for the whole family and their furry friends from 10.30am to 4.30pm. Alternatively, visit www.battersea.org.uk/get_involved/volunteer_with_us for more information on all the volunteering positions available at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.

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