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Margaret Green Animal Rescue
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Margaret Green Animal Rescue
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Margaret Green Animal Rescue
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Margaret Green Animal Rescue
Alan and Niki Ging who have managed the centre since its original inception over 25 years ago, have seen thousands of dogs and cats in need, and remain upbeat and hopeful that all of their charges will find good ‘forever’ homes.
The Margaret Green Animal Rescue centre at Wingletang, just outside Tavistock is a busy, friendly and efficient place with an air of kindly no-nonsense practicality. It is the third Margaret Green Animal Rescue Centre and is set within eight acres of open land, three miles to the north of Tavistock. It has a licensed boarding kennel and cattery with 10 kennels and 12 cattery cubicles, with a further 12 – 24 cats looking for new homes and up to 45 dogs. There is a purpose built ‘socialising’ room with sofas where prospective owners can meet and greet their new pet in homely surroundings, and a large field where the dogs can socialise off lead, as well as an agility course which helps with their mental health. The dogs are housed individually in a large block with both indoor and outdoor space. During the day they have the opportunity to access a larger, enclosed outdoor run as well as being taken for a walk by one of the staff members or one of over 40 volunteers who regularly help with exercising the dogs. Both physical and mental welfare is a priority and the excellent facilities mean that the animals do not become kennel stressed.
The rescue centre takes in pets that have become homeless due to a change in circumstances, or that have been neglected, mistreated or abandoned. Niki tells me that the staff pride themselves on the standard of care each rescue pet receives. As well as veterinary care, pets are prepared and rehabilitated ready for a new home, and all the animals are vaccinated, micro chipped, treated against worms and fleas and neutered before being released. Niki explains: “Finding forever homes is at the very heart of what we do and there is no better feeling than knowing we have found the perfect match.” The rehoming process is designed specifically to help potential owners adopt a pet that fits in perfectly with their lives and loved ones. The centre provides lifelong support to families who adopt a pet, understanding the challenges that can come with owning any animal. Niki regularly receives updates on the pets that have been rehomed and everyone is thrilled to hear from happy owners.
Margaret Green was born in 1915 and from an early age suffered with ill health. Under medical advice, she was sent abroad where it was believed the warmer climate would improve her condition and she was educated in convents in France, Germany, Switzerland and Italy. Later, throughout the war years Margaret was employed by the British Government to monitor and document communications. From 1945 to 1952 she left England to work in Portugal as personal assistant to the British Embassy information officer and it was during this time that she developed an awareness of animal welfare, getting actively involved with cat rescue. Margaret’s father, Jerry Green, established the Jerry Green Foundation Trust in 1962, a new canine charity. He and Margaret were trustees of his first sanctuary at Boughton in Lincolnshire. However, Margaret’s love of all animals led her to propose a second sanctuary in the south of England to care for other animals in need; eventually a new charity with wider scope was set up, The Margaret Green Foundation Trust. In 1963, with money which had been set aside for Margaret’s future, the MGFT acquired the land at Church Knowle in Dorset and over the next few years, Margaret managed the creation of the new sanctuary. In 1969, after the death of both parents, Margaret merged both charities. A second centre in Dorset, Lincoln Farm, was later followed by Wingletang in 1992. Margaret died on Christmas Eve 2009 and today the trust’s aims remain unchanged with over 1,200 animals cared for each year across the three centres.
As with many charities, Wingletang relies heavily on funding from the public and 100% of all donations go directly towards the welfare and upkeep of the animals. It hosts many fundraising events throughout the year such as the Companion Dog Show in June where dogs of all shapes, sizes and breeds are welcome, and the Tri4 Rescue, a sponsored walk, run and cycle held every September with support from The Peter Tavy Inn. Alan and Niki also organise a sponsored dog walk in the spring which is always well attended by rehomed dogs and owners, as well as staff, friends and volunteers. Wingletang is grateful for all the support it receives from many generous local businesses and veterinary services along with its army of dedicated volunteers such as the ‘cat cuddlers’ and dog walkers. The Wingletang ethos of matching pets with owners has proved a successful template for happy endings over many years. The positive benefits of healthy pet ownership are well documented and the work carried out at the Margaret Green centres is life affirming for both the humans and their furry charges.
Nichola Williams
To find out more about Margaret Green Animal Rescue and the rehoming centre at Wingletang visit www.margaretgreenanimalrescue.org.uk, phone 01822 810215, email wingletang@mgar.org.uk or visit between 12.00-15.30 daily.