Years ago I had a friend who had a Boxer. He was the most delightful of dogs, so I was thrilled to hear of the The Boxer Dog Rescue Northern England which I hadn’t known existed. But it most certainly does and is ‘small but perfectly formed,’ as the old adage goes. What’s more, there is no highly paid ‘boss’, or sadly, as is so often the case, reliable funding. Instead the charity is run by a small committee of volunteers, aided and abetted by volunteer supporters. But what about this pesky problem of funding?
The BDRNE depends entirely on donations which the volunteers boost whenever they can. This coming Saturday, for instance, Julie Herrington of Thirsk who is a volunteer supporter of two years standing will be presiding over a cake stall at the Buttercross in the Market Square, Easingwold, (courtesy of the Parish Council). To this end, she has been baking in a frenzy with Pat, another volunteer and of course, as always, other friends and family have rolled up their sleeves to help produce extraordinary delights.
‘Extraordinary delights’? Ah, I speak as someone who has tasted far too many of Julie’s cakes in my time, so yes, I will be at the Buttercross, Easingwold at 10.00 am this Saturday – 14th November. How can I stay away? Not only can I ‘test’ cakes for the sake of Frost Magazine, but chat to John – ooops sorry, Dame Furry Paws – who, as already hinted, is not fulfilling any role – he just thought it would be a good idea and cheer us all up. Well, John has a talent for cheering us up, so it will be a hoot.
I asked Julie Herrington to tell us a bit more about this charity as it does such good work: ‘Boxer Dog Rescue Northern England is a registered charity (1153127) and rescue organisation run by a handful volunteers who are dedicated to helping boxers in need. We have a network of volunteer supporters who help with fostering, transporting, homechecking and fundraising and we are always keen to widen this network, so if you are in the North of England and can volunteer, please contact us.’
I had to ask if the dogs were in danger of… well, you know, being put to sleep?
The reply was swift. ‘Margaret, It’s important for everyone to know that, on the contrary, BDRNE moves heaven on earth to rehabilitate the emotional and physical health of the dogs surrendered to them and PTS would only be considered if it was to spare the dog suffering. All dogs are microchipped and neutered prior to re-homing (unless a medical condition prevents the surgery) and a full assessment is completed beforehand, and whilst the dogs are in our care, to ensure that they can be matched to the right home. We are an independent rescue and do not operate in association with any other boxer rescue organisation.’
Do go to The Boxer Dog Rescue Northern England site and read more about this heartwarming initiative, and the efforts of this small band of committed Boxer lovers to give every Boxer in need, a chance. I will be reporting back on the cakes, Dame Furry Paws, and all else at the Buttercross. Anyone local to the area, do come.