THANKS this week must go to amateur photographer Martin Golden who reminds us all how beautiful it is to see dolphins on the Shannon Estuary again this Summer. Martin sent me in photos of a dolphin who recently paid a visit to Ringmoylan Pier on the Shannon Estuary near Pallaskenry in Co. Limerick. There have been many sightings of these beautiful creatures in the area over the years as Ireland’s only resident population of bottlenose dolphins reside in there and it certainly is a sight to behold when you catch a glimpse of them gliding through the water and even more exciting when you can manage to capture them on photo!

Those interested in learning more about the dolphins in the area can visit the Shannon Dolphin and Wildlife Foundation offices at the Shannon Dolphin and Wildlife Centre (formerly the Scattery Island Centre) in Kilrush, adjacent to Kilrush Creek Marina.

Here you’ll find plenty of information about dolphins and whales plus other sea wildlife which is interesting to nature and wildlife lovers of all ages.

The foundation which was set up back in 2000 also provides information on other wildlife including their conservation management, ongoing research and monitoring and the organisations aim is to promote sustainable dolphin-watching, which they hope “will bring economic benefit to the region as well as increasing people’s awareness and interest in all whales and dolphins in Ireland”.

According to experts at the foundation “Over 100 dolphins have been identified using the Shannon Estuary at different times, calves are born each year and are usually encountered in the groups observed”.

For more details on dolphins and dolphin watching on the Dolphin Discovery boat in the region check out www.shannondolphins.ie

THIS year’s ‘Pedigree Adoption Drive’ has once again been a resounding success as thousands of animal lovers pledged their commitment to animal welfare. The second annual adoption drive has raised 4,000 euro which I’m delighted to announce will be given to Limerick Animal Welfare.

Faced with devastating statistics that show that for every one dog that is adopted in Ireland, there are two that are not the public realised that this leaves shelters around Ireland in desperate need of funding.

The campaign, which ran from the beginning of January to the end of March, saw Pedigree donate money for every pack of Pedigree dogfood sold.

And according to organisers raising funds went hand in hand with raising awareness in this year’s campaign, which ultimately sought to help the plight of homeless dogs in Ireland.

“While the Irish are a nation of dog lovers, not everyone is in a position to adopt a dog from their local shelter or welfare organisation. This year the Pedigree Adoption Drive not only wanted to raise awareness of the issues around animal welfare, but to also provide a way for everyone to get involved” a spokesperson explained.

To do this Pedigree encouraged people to sign the ‘Pedigree Pledge’ with supporters visiting www.pedigreeadoptiondrive.ie and adding their name to the many other dog lovers that have already signed up.

Since its launch, thousands of dog lovers have now signed the pledge displaying the country’s superb support for the campaign and more importantly animal welfare in Ireland.

Speaking on behalf of the Irish Society of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA), CEO John Holohan said “We are delighted that the Irish Public along with Pedigree have displayed such a huge support for animal welfare.

The money raised by The Pedigree Adoption Drive since 2008  is a great benefit to the ISPCA and other animal rescue centres nationwide that re-homing hundreds of dogs throughout the country. In the current economic climate, it is so reassuring that Pedigree and the Irish Public continue to generously support such a worthy cause.”

Ambassador for the campaign this year was Irish rugby international and dog lover, Gordon D’Arcy, who said “I was thrilled to get involved with the campaign this year. We set out with a goal, and the fact that the Irish public got behind the cause to take it over the line shows that the we really are a nation of dog lovers.  With so many people signing the pledge the campaign has shown that those who were not in a position to re-home a dog, like myself, were still encouraged to get involved”

To find out more on dog adoption, from how the adoption process works, from training to everyday care, and to sign the Pedigree Pledge, visit www.pedigreeadoptiondrive.ie.

MEET Rosie, a lovely and gentle older cat around eight or ten years old who arrived at LAW heavily pregnant. Rosie’s last litter of kittens are all weaned now, so it’s time to focus on finding a special home for her. Volunteers at LAW describe Rosie as ‘a real sweetheart’ and they hope she won’t be waiting too long to find a home to call her own. Rosie is just one of many beautiful cats who are looking for new homes at Limerick Animal Welfare. All these gorgeous cats are wormed, de-flead, spayed/neutered and fully vaccinated all at a cost to the already struggling voluntary organisation.  So if you are interested in adopting please contact the Field of Dreams Sanctuary in Kilfinane, Co. Limerick on 063 91110, 9am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday. A minimum donation of e80 per cat is badly needed to help cover some of the cost of LAW’s veterinary care which allows them to help more cats like Rosie.

THIS week I received a letter from Kellie McNamara, a regular ‘For Pets Sake’ reader and animal lover who is doing something very different to help raise funds for Limerick Animal Welfare.
Kellie has bravely decided to jump out of plane from 13,000ft  in aid of her favourite animal charity and needs to raise a minimum of e640 to be able to complete the sky dive.
I get regular letters here at ‘For Pets Sake’ with people wondering how they can help their local animal welfare organisations and fundraisers like this are the perfect example of how people can rise to the occasion for their favourite charity.
So why not get involved in a fundraiser yourself, it doesn’t have to be quite as dramatic as jumping out of a plane but according to voluntary organisations like LAW and ISPCA there are plenty of ways you can do your bit.
From organising a table quiz in your local pub to a golf classic or coffee morning there are plenty of ways you can raise funds. Just come up with an idea and then contact your local charity who will be thrilled with any support!
Meanwhile if anyone would like to sponsor Kellie they can contact her on 0872682541. She will also be leaving a sponsor card at the LAW shop in Parnell Street if people wanted to call in there and make a donation!

Hi there,
Many may thanks for including details of the rabbit we found in Raheen at the end of April. His original owners did not come forward, however he has since found a new home with plenty of space and another rabbit to keep him company. A happy ending ending for a very sweet little animal! Thanks again for printing the details…his new home came as a response to the ad.
A. Morrissey.

Dear Catriona
Could you print my pet in the pet page.
I was walking my dog last week, and we encountered a dangerous breed of dog in the Castletroy area, which appeared to have some breed of a pit bull in him/her. This dog chased me and my dog, and attempted to attack my dog. I fell to the ground in an attempt to get away, and badly cut my knees and hands. I consider myself very lucky that we escaped without any other injuries. This dog had no lead, no collar and I didn’t see the owner around when he/she chased us, but I guess someone called the dog away as he seemed to have disappeared when I got up from the ground, as I was screaming. This highlights the danger associated with keeping these kind of dogs and the need for owners of dangerous breeds to strictly adhere to the dog control regulations act.
Regards Anon by email.
* Anyone who comes across a vicious dog like this should immediately report it to the Gardai and the Limerick Dog Warden on 061 301604 – Catriona.

Catriona,

I would just like you to know that I got both Zack and Jack back. Jack on Monday and Zack last night. Jack was found in the Thomondgate area he was taken to the Animal Welfare place in Kilfinane and Zack was found in Corbally by someone who contacted the animal welfare sanctuary in Kilfinane and they put us in touch with the people in Corbally. I must say they were brilliant and I am thrilled to bits to have them both back home.
Thank you for putting the notice on the post I did not have any photos of Zack or Jack I didn’t realise the importance of having photos and now I have photos  and realise the importance of it. Maybe ‘For Pets sake could advertise the importance of this. I really think your section in the post is extremely important and will be reading it every week.
Thank you again and thank you to the Animal Welfare Sanctuary in Kilfinane.

Keep up the great work
Nicky

Dear Catriona
Just a few words to express my thanks for placing the details about the Ginger and White cat on the pet page last week. Gingy was returned to us safe and sound and well after a lady who was caring for her saw her featured in the paper. Hopefully the other pets will be as lucky and are re-united with their families.
Thank you once again
Yours sincerely
M. Greaney