News / Bristol Animal Rescue Centre
Formerly abandoned dogs to soon be rehomed
On July 3, Clementine, a Jack Russell terrier mix, was found on the Downs heavily pregnant.
Since she was not microchipped, she couldn’t be traced to an owner.
In accordance with the law, after being unclaimed for seven days Clementine became property of the Bristol Animal Rescue Centre (ARC) and was able to be rehomed.
is needed now More than ever
After being taken into ARC’s care, animal home manager Jodie Hayward took her home into foster care where she gave birth to five lovely puppies on July 27.
Sadly, despite Jodie bottle feeding and doing all she could to keep the puppies healthy, two of the five puppies did not make it.
Three of the puppies – Lemon, Fig and Jaffa, aptly named by ARC staff members with similar fruit/ food inspired-names to their mother – have since been under the shelter’s care.
One of ARC’s nursing assistants with Fig
On a sun-soaked September afternoon, at the ARC’s Albert Road site, the now eight-week-old puppies excitably bound across the shelter’s outside play area, preparing to be rehomed with new families.
With over 30 adoption applications, Lemon and Fig are soon to be rehomed while their longer-haired sibling Jaffa undergoes additional veterinary care before he will be ready to leave the shelter.
Reflecting on Clementine’s story, Jodie stresses the importance of adopting from a dog shelter rather than opting for a shop or dog breeder: “Rescue centres across the UK are absolutely full to the brim.”
Since the Covid-19 lockdown, the ARC have seen a sharp increase in younger animals being brought in, with many owners underestimating the long-term commitment of raising a pet.
ARC’s adoption process is simple – each pet has a profile relaying their photos, age, breed and personalities.
Adoptees are requested to send in applications for their chosen pet and should expect to hear back within three days.
If successful, families are invited in for appointments to encourage bounding with their new pet.
With Lemon and Fig soon to meet their new families, and Jaffa and their mother Clementine awaiting to be ready for the adoption process, clinical nursing assistant Flame Dunn reflects on what a “privilege” it has been to watch them grow.
She says that seeing them “be who they actually are without fear is something really special”.
The team at ARC look forward to Clementine and her pups soon settling into their new homes.
Clementine and Fig having a snack
All photos: Alana Levi
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